Blogged Live Via the East Coast Feed
We have made it to 3 and tonight the contestants will be singing 3 songs a piece. Their choice, Judges choice and Producers Choice. It could be a decent night or it could be a train wreck. Time will only tell.
Who will make it through and who will be going home on Wednesday? Anything could happen. Ladies and Gents, sit back and relax. This is American Idol – The Top 3.
Don’t forget to leave your thoughts about tonights performances in a comment or even chat with us live on the new and improved shoutbox located on the sidebar. We always value your thoughts and opinions.
If you are in my Online Idol Pool you must get your picks in by 9pm EST on Wednesday night otherwise you will get the default computer picks.
Note : Show was blogged live via the East Coast Feed. You will get the contestants name, song title, judges comments, and my comments of each performance. Videos may happen tonight but most likely not till tomorrow in a separate post. Everything is after the jump.
Round 1 – Judges Choice
Name : David Archuleta
Song Title : “So It Goes”
Judges Thoughts : (R) You can sing anything. You are in the zone. In it to win it. (P) I felt you were a story teller. A beautiful performance. (S) It was really good, a bit predictable. I don’t think it was outstanding.
Slim’s Thoughts : I actually liked the start of the song without the music. Other than that it was as boring as hell. I need some coffee to wake my ass up
Slim’s Score : 17/25
Name : Syesha MercadoSong Title : “If I Ain’t Got You”
Judges Thoughts : (R) You did an amazing job on it. I am so happy that you are peaking at the right time in this competition. (P) I applaud you. You look stunning. (S) You sang that very well. You look gorgeous.
Slim’s Thoughts : Love the song but not Syesha’s performance. The chorus was ok but the rest of the song was just kind of blah. Step it up Syesha. This is your moment to shine and make the finale.
Slim’s Score : 17/25
Name : David CookSong Title : “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
Judges Thoughts : (R) I have been a David Cook fan since day 1. Loved the high note at the end but wish Simon had picked something not so predictable. (P) That is one of my favorite songs and now you are my second favorite person to sing it. (S) I think it was one of your best performances to date. This is what makes you brilliant. You take risks. Round one goes to Cook and Cowell.
Slim’s Thoughts : Round 1 goes to David Cook. Amazing job.
Slim’s Score : 22/25
Round 2 – Contestants Choice
Name : David Archuleta
Song Title : “With You”
Judges Thoughts : (R) I am not sure thats the right song. I couldn’t believe it. (P) Perfect. I think you should be singing songs like this. Great job. (S) I applaud you however it was like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger. It was a bit awkward.
Slim’s Thoughts : The audience loved and I have to agree, it was actually pretty damn good. It was either going to be good or a train wreck and it was good. I am shocked.
Slim’s Score : 21/25
Name : Syesha MercadoSong Title : “Fever”
Judges Thoughts : (R) A very interesting song choice. You sang it well. Amazing performance. (P) I am surprised you picked this. Not sure it shows me who Syesha is as an artist. (S) I think you will probably regret that tomorrow. You did quite a lame cabaret performance.
Slim’s Thoughts : Syesha is so sexy in this performance. A decent vocal. Could have been a little better but still finale material in my book.
Slim’s Score : 20/25
Name : David CookSong Title : “Dare You to Move”
Judges Thoughts : (R) Great song choice. Performance wise, it wasn’t you best. A little pitchy. (P) You just got to the beginning when you got to the end of the song (S) I think all 3 of you had an ok middle round.
Slim’s Thoughts : Another strong performance, not as good as the first. DC is the next American Idol.
Slim’s Score : 20/25
Round 3 – Producers Choice
Name : David Archuleta
Song Title : “Longer”
Judges Thoughts : (R) Interesting song choice. You are in the zone. Another hot one from you. (P) Lovely performance. (S) You sang the song very well. I felt the song and the lyrics were horrible. Something you chose for a 90 year old but I think you have done enough to get into the finals.
Slim’s Thoughts : Decent vocal, boring performance. No wedding music on American Idol
Slim’s Score : 18/25
Name : Syesha MercadoSong Title : “Hit Me Up”
Judges Thoughts : (R) I can see you doing a song like that. It was just ok for me. (P) You did the song very well. As much as I liked it, I don’t think it is the type of song that defines Syesha. (S) Better than the second song. You had your best moment last week and nothing this week has topped that. You didn’t get the defining moment I would have liked.
Slim’s Thoughts : Finally something really upbeat. A tad pitchy but overall pretty good.
Slim’s Score : 20/25
Name : David CookSong Title : “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”
Judges Thoughts : (R) It was ok for me. Very predictable. (P) See you in the finals. (S) David Cook wins the night.
Slim’s Thoughts : Great Ending. Loved it.
Slim’s Score : 23/25
Round 1 Winner : David Cook
Round 2 Winner : David Arculeta
Round 3 Winner: David Cook
I am cutting this recap short as I am having some server issues. As much as I want Syesha to stick around for the finale, I just don’t think it will happen. Tune in tomorrow night as angie blogs the results live via the East Coast Feed.
[quote comment="34307"]Soooooooo, I’m the only one who was in TEARS when David Cook finished singing “The first time ever I saw your face” ?????? I voted for him last night until my thumb fell off.
I thought Syesha was disappointing in all rounds. Sexy.. but disappointing.
I think David A is a talented kid … but truthfully.. the ONLY thing I can ever picture him doing is High School Musical.
I can’t decide whether or not I want Cook to win… and be stuck to AI for however long or to take second and do the tour then get on with HIS recording contract.[/quote]
Yeh, my thumb is gone too.
But for David A. !!!! :lol:
Soooooooo, I’m the only one who was in TEARS when David Cook finished singing “The first time ever I saw your face” ?????? I voted for him last night until my thumb fell off.
I thought Syesha was disappointing in all rounds. Sexy.. but disappointing.
I think David A is a talented kid … but truthfully.. the ONLY thing I can ever picture him doing is High School Musical.
I can’t decide whether or not I want Cook to win… and be stuck to AI for however long or to take second and do the tour then get on with HIS recording contract.
[quote comment="34262"]
DA forgot lines AGAIN tonight and they highlighted it in the recap. They have decided to try to get off TCO but they may have created such a juggernaut they can’t stop it.
.[/quote]
It was ‘You all a class your own,” instead of “You’re a class all your own.” Just not enunciated as clear as it could have been, but it wasn’t just random mumbling, either.
But we musn’t forget David Cook messing up his lines previously either:
Eleanor Rigby – Father McKenzie writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear
No one comes near.
Look at him working. Darning his socks in the night when there’s nobody there
What does he care?
Cook sang wearing, which doesn’t even make sense. Lots of people wear their socks at night.
Music of the Night – Let your mind start a journey through a strange, new world
Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before.
Cook sang world again.
Yes, minor. Very minor. So was David A’s.
[quote comment="34269"]The best of round one is definitely David Cook. During round 2, I was literally laughing my ass of when David Archuleta sang “With You.” It was a freakin train wreck, so unexpected and so hilarious! As for round 3, Syesha totally sucked. I think she was just trying too hard and honestly she kinda annoyed me with the voices that she was channeling. And yeah, Cook’s version of “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” is pretty good. David Cook and Archuleta definitely deserve to go to the finals. Syesha should finally be booted out of the show![/quote]
Round 1 – Complete agreement
Round 2 – I would go even further and say that was the single worst perfomance of the entire top 24 season. Made Luke Menard look genius. (IMHO)
Round 3 – Agree but not Syesha’s fault in any way. This was the moment when the producers totally threw Syesha under the bus and the judges even flat out said it…”A song about penguins???!!!”
The only really strong vocal and performance of the night was First Time…Face. Fever was ok (thought it was kinda funny – in a let’s run Syehsa over kind of way – that the judges have been telling her to go “actory” all season and then slice and dice her for doing exactly that)
Could Randy have used anymore Randyisms last night?
I felt David A. was nervous last night. Probably had the thought of his Dad being torn apart last week on his mind. Anyone who really loves their parents do not want them torn apart in the media, whether it’s true or not.
I did not care for any of the song choices for any of the contestants last night. But I thought they all did a good job with what they had. I think David A. sang all three songs well, especially the first and last song. I really get a kick out of Simon’s comments about the Producer’s song choices. He should be addressing the PRODUCERS, not the contestants. And Simon’s comments to David A. about his “dancing” was pretty funny. David’s reply ? “I was dancing ?”
[quote comment="34265"]I wasn’t crazy about anyone’s performance tonight mainly because I did not like many of the song choices. I actually thought DC was much better last week. He sounded a bit pitchy to me tonight and it certainly seemed as if Simon was being biased. Again, just my opinion. I thought DA did a nice job with So It Goes. I guess I was expecting something extraordinary tonight and I didn’t get my wish. Tomorrow should be interesting. Good luck to all.[/quote]
Boy, you hit the nail right on the head.
I too, wasn’t crazy about any of the song choices last night. Blah….. :sleeping:
The best of round one is definitely David Cook. During round 2, I was literally laughing my ass of when David Archuleta sang “With You.” It was a freakin train wreck, so unexpected and so hilarious! As for round 3, Syesha totally sucked. I think she was just trying too hard and honestly she kinda annoyed me with the voices that she was channeling. And yeah, Cook’s version of “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” is pretty good. David Cook and Archuleta definitely deserve to go to the finals. Syesha should finally be booted out of the show!
Two words: BO-RING! Nobody stood out tonight. Archuleta has shown himself to be very much a one dimensional singer who does not know how to add spice to a song (and whose dance moves are as awkward as Taylor’s). Syesha has a similar problem with the depth of her performances. Where are the vocal inflections, the soft sultry changes that belong in songs like ‘Fever?’ And Cook… he is entertaining but cannot stay on key in the lower register. IMHO Cook is the most rounded and varied of the final three, but that isn’t saying much considering the group. All in all, a very disappointing season for me.
I wasn’t crazy about anyone’s performance tonight mainly because I did not like many of the song choices. I actually thought DC was much better last week. He sounded a bit pitchy to me tonight and it certainly seemed as if Simon was being biased. Again, just my opinion. I thought DA did a nice job with So It Goes. I guess I was expecting something extraordinary tonight and I didn’t get my wish. Tomorrow should be interesting. Good luck to all.
Vocally, to me, it was a tie. They all sang great. However I didn’t like some of the song choices and the performances were a little forgettable. Cook’s songs all had the problem off slow buildup leaving that impression that they were cut too soon (a la Baba O’ Riley of last week). Syesha is doomed due to lack of fanbase (she peaked too late) and because of how Paula and Simon kept putting her down. I mean, complaining that “Fever” is an old school classic and won’t define her style as an artist, but then it’s okay to give Cook Roberta Flack and Archie Billy Joel. Go figure. Archie singing Chris Brown was cringe-worthy but you have to give him kudos for the attempt to sing something more current and age-appropriate, and to risk a few dance steps.
Didn’t watch the show…..hadda work, but wouldn’ta watched it anyway…juts my lil ol protest for Jason being gone…lol. DID catch the performances here, tho. No real stabdout performances….no defining moments. Disappointing, really. Cook was good with the RF song, but not great. Sye was a disappoinmnet with Fever……I thought she’d really bring it on that one, but I was left feeling…eh? Didn’t care for her other two songs at all……..SHE sounded good and she looked gorgeous, but the songs were just blah. Cook was mediocre with the next two songs…..nothing special at all, particularly his own choice…it was average at best. I think Archie stole the show, and I’m not really an Archie fan…..but the kid can SING, there’s no denying that. He was good on all three songs, and he connected with the audience…I really liked his performance of the Billy Joel song, and I loved Longer……IMO, he should win hands down, but I see DI has Cook ahead. Go figure……just goes to show ya there’s no accounting for taste.
I really enjoyed Jason on Idolatry much more than any of these performances, if I’m gonna be totally honest! That’s my story and I’m stickin to it :)
The Producers clearly have decided who they want to win.
Both Simon and Paula TOLD Syesha she is going home. So they don’t want her.
DA forgot lines AGAIN tonight and they highlighted it in the recap. They have decided to try to get off TCO but they may have created such a juggernaut they can’t stop it.
They want Cook. I am not a DA fan and even I know they sabotaged him (and Syesha) with their choice of songs in round 3(thanks to Simon for calling them on it.) Of course, I think (as do the four 11 year olds I watched with) that DA sabotaged himself by attempting Chris Brown. And Syesha has solidified her career on Broadway and in Vegas with Fever.
[quote comment="34245"][quote comment="34244"][quote comment="34241"]First off, it is quite obvious that Randy does not like David Cook. That’s Randy’s problem. Syesha’s 1st song was very good, her 2nd song also very good, her 3rd song, not good. David A’s first song was typical of Archie; he sang it the same way he sings everything, but it was ok., the breathing problem was on full display, his 2nd song was a diaster, it was quite funny, his 3rd song was his first song with a different title. David Cook’s first song was incredible, his 2nd song was not that good, his 3rd song was very good. The night belonged to David Cook. Sorry folks, but, Archie (Gaspy) needs to go home. He does not belong with real singers.[/quote]
I am paid to listen for breathing problems, this is a case of the emperors new clothes. I do not hear breathing problems with this young man. Just as in the case of the emperor, one person says it so it must be true.
Name calling is not necessary[/quote]
i’m trying not to be rude, but if you don’t hear a breathing problem it’s because you don’t want to hear it, as they say, love is blind and in this case deaf.[/quote]
Last warning;;;;;No Name Calling about contestants or others here
[quote comment="34258"] Third I wanted to go stab Nigel. :] [/quote]
LOL ha ha ha..My feelings exactly. :lol:
Gah, I’ve loved both David’s from the beginning, but I feel Archie was basically thrown into a heap of garbage with the producers’ choice. It kind of ticked me off. I mean – he did the best he could with it. I cried with Archie’s first song, and then second I was dancing. Third I wanted to go stab Nigel. :] As for Cook & Syesha, it’s obvious who’s leaving. There’s no doubt it’s going to be a David/David finale. I didn’t like 1 of Syesha’s performances tonight (sorry all Sy. fans!) and I was in LOVE with DC’s first song. It was just an awkward night for me. The judges were in a pissy mood, and I don’t know. Well, hello to a early-predicted DA/DC finale. :]
Archies’ slight breathing sound is heard mostly when he makes fast deep inhales between lines. I think part of the reason is because of the kind of songs he sings, they usually require slow release because they are slow songs, combined with the way he changes keys sharply between syllables and holds notes for so long. That takes a lot of wind, and he only has a fraction of a second to draw it in. So he has to draw fast and very deep. You can hear all of them suck wind, Archies is slightly more obvious but there again it can be attributed to his style. On a more personal note he is only 17 years old and still learning, his voice has not even finnished developing.
[quote comment="34250"]Archie’s not my favorite and I don’t hear a breathing problem. YES, I do sometimes hear an intake of breath, but I wouldn’t call it a problem. It has improved greatly from the first few shows. The “problem” has to do with his vocal chord problems he’s had in the past.[/quote]
Yeah, I hate when people complain about his breathing. His vocal paralysis haven’t completely cured yet, even so he sounded amazing every night!
1st song:
Archy: No..
Sayesha: No..
Cookie: YES!!!! :) His mother was standing up and you could see the love in her eyes.. Awwww. :) I love how Simon said,
Simon: First round for Cook and Cowell..
ROFL
2nd song:
Archy: Yes!!! :) Very good. He even danced.. Nicely done. :)
Syesha: No!
Cookie: YES!!!! :)
3rd song:
Archy: No ugh!
Syesha: No!
Cookie: YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Simon: David you win for the night.. :)
That reminds me of what Simon said to Taylor..
Simon: You have just won american idol!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! :) Man I wasn’t able to get through untili close to 10:30! And when I did there were some busy signals. :) GO COOKIE GO COOKIE GO COOKIE!!!! :)
Archie’s not my favorite and I don’t hear a breathing problem. YES, I do sometimes hear an intake of breath, but I wouldn’t call it a problem. It has improved greatly from the first few shows. The “problem” has to do with his vocal chord problems he’s had in the past.
[quote comment="34223"]Paula chose a “dope” song for David A? What the heck does that mean? I’m getting sick of Randy’s weird vocabulingo. Anyway….
I’ve been hearing all week that the song was boring, but I thought it was beautiful and moving. He sounded great.
My favorite is still David C![/quote]
LOL…vocabulingo
My short and sweet thoughts are up at my blog.
I look forward to an Archie/Cookie finale. Wish it was a Johns/White or Johns/Castro finale, though. :)
[quote comment="34244"][quote comment="34241"]First off, it is quite obvious that Randy does not like David Cook. That’s Randy’s problem. Syesha’s 1st song was very good, her 2nd song also very good, her 3rd song, not good. David A’s first song was typical of Archie; he sang it the same way he sings everything, but it was ok., the breathing problem was on full display, his 2nd song was a diaster, it was quite funny, his 3rd song was his first song with a different title. David Cook’s first song was incredible, his 2nd song was not that good, his 3rd song was very good. The night belonged to David Cook. Sorry folks, but, Archie (Gaspy) needs to go home. He does not belong with real singers.[/quote]
I am paid to listen for breathing problems, this is a case of the emperors new clothes. I do not hear breathing problems with this young man. Just as in the case of the emperor, one person says it so it must be true.
Name calling is not necessary[/quote]
i’m trying not to be rude, but if you don’t hear a breathing problem it’s because you don’t want to hear it, as they say, love is blind and in this case deaf.
[quote comment="34241"]First off, it is quite obvious that Randy does not like David Cook. That’s Randy’s problem. Syesha’s 1st song was very good, her 2nd song also very good, her 3rd song, not good. David A’s first song was typical of Archie; he sang it the same way he sings everything, but it was ok., the breathing problem was on full display, his 2nd song was a diaster, it was quite funny, his 3rd song was his first song with a different title. David Cook’s first song was incredible, his 2nd song was not that good, his 3rd song was very good. The night belonged to David Cook. Sorry folks, but, Archie (Gaspy) needs to go home. He does not belong with real singers.[/quote]
I am paid to listen for breathing problems, this is a case of the emperors new clothes. I do not hear breathing problems with this young man. Just as in the case of the emperor, one person says it so it must be true.
Name calling is not necessary
First off, it is quite obvious that Randy does not like David Cook. That’s Randy’s problem. Syesha’s 1st song was very good, her 2nd song also very good, her 3rd song, not good. David A’s first song was typical of Archie; he sang it the same way he sings everything, but it was ok., the breathing problem was on full display, his 2nd song was a diaster, it was quite funny, his 3rd song was his first song with a different title. David Cook’s first song was incredible, his 2nd song was not that good, his 3rd song was very good. The night belonged to David Cook. Sorry folks, but, Archie (Gaspy) needs to go home. He does not belong with real singers.
[quote comment="34221"]Great efforts by all the Top 3.
I tried to post this before, but the server was down or something. I was so mad at Simon when he said the song “Longer” was horrible. The author of the song has just died of prostate cancer, he was a good looking guy and wasn’t even that old. What an ignorant s.o.b. “Longer” was one of my favorite love songs from when I was a teenager.[/quote]
The fact the writer died is a sad thing but completely not an issue in the criticism. He felt (and I agree) that the Producers did DA no favors with a wedding song
[quote comment="34229"]Think Cookie shined the brightest for two reasons, 1. Song choices helped him the most. He won the luck of the draw. Two. His musical talent and development stood out to me as it was obvious to all his fans, he appeard so much more mature then the compitition. Note.
I saw R. Flack sing t.f.t.e.s.y.f. live in concert.[It was the first song my wife and I ever danced to so now you know, it was playing at a party where we met. I said that to say David sang it as well as Roberta. That is an extremley difficult song to sing without the help of studio sound effects. :[/quote]
Wow, that must have been awesome for you two to hear this song again in the Cookie version. It is really romantic and Cook did a wonderful job hitting all the difficult notes.
We gotta vote like crazy tonight. All 3 are good, but I want the 2 Davids in the finale.
Tonight was exactly what I thought it would be.
David A did his thing, Stesha did her musical theatre that has been working for her lately, and David Cook’s songs all started slow and built into stadium rock.
Zzzzz.
Looks like a David and David Finale. See ya Syesha.
Think Cookie shined the brightest for two reasons, 1. Song choices helped him the most. He won the luck of the draw. Two. His musical talent and development stood out to me as it was obvious to all his fans, he appeard so much more mature then the compitition. Note.
I saw R. Flack sing t.f.t.e.s.y.f. live in concert.[It was the first song my wife and I ever danced to so now you know, it was playing at a party where we met. I said that to say David sang it as well as Roberta. That is an extremley difficult song to sing without the help of studio sound effects. :
Baby David huh? Never heard a better description, while I’m not a big syesha fan she is leagues better then David a. While I can’t really see it happening I would love to see a syesha vs David c in the finale. Really excited to see Michael and carly back onstage next week!
And so it goes as awesome, it would have been cool too if he played the piano and sang, but it was still awesome.
None of Syesha’s songs really stood out
David cook’s last song was good, i actually liked it with the violins.
i would say that david A. won the first round, the middle was tied, and that david c. won the last round.
Paula chose a “dope” song for David A? What the heck does that mean? I’m getting sick of Randy’s weird vocabulingo. Anyway….
I’ve been hearing all week that the song was boring, but I thought it was beautiful and moving. He sounded great.
My favorite is still David C!
Tonight was…kind of sucky, I think! My thoughts:
David A – 1) It was a boring song (not a fan of Billy Joel), but he sounded really, really good. 2) It was a bit awkward, coming from David A… 3) Again, he sounded really good
Syesha – 1) Um, it was interesting-ish, but…nothing special. 2) I thought if it were performed on any other night Simon would have called that choice “self-indulgent”. 3) Oy. That was not good (not her fault, but still not good).
David C – 1) Everyone other than me seems to have loved it, but I didn’t like it at all. His voice sounded off. I’m not a DC fan, but I know his voice can (and usually does) sound a lot better than that. 2) I love that song, but I did not like DC’s version at all. Yuck. But I loved the red flower stuck in his guitar! 3) I thought that the arrangement was kind of weird (violins, guitar, the way he changed it…), but his voice was back on for the most part.
Can’t say I was hugely impressed tonight. I really hope the finale is fantastic. I’d prefer to see David A and David C, but who knows what will happen?
Great efforts by all the Top 3.
I tried to post this before, but the server was down or something. I was so mad at Simon when he said the song “Longer” was horrible. The author of the song has just died of prostate cancer, he was a good looking guy and wasn’t even that old. What an ignorant s.o.b. “Longer” was one of my favorite love songs from when I was a teenager.
He he he, Archie singing that song was downright bizarre… Syesha was great singing Fever.
She acts a vg sex symbol
Did Simon just compare him to paula’s Chihuhuas
Damn, Syesha came on strong, David Cook too… This first round was awesome.
He’s older than I am
Studio versions of the Davids will be really good this week…again!
I’m not a fan of Archuleta’s but I think he was perfect in So It Goes. The song really helped, it has a great melody. Good job Baby David.
Cook shoots and SCORES
Syesha should win!
Love Archie’s version of And So It Goes! Absolutely beautiful…. A PERFECT start!! yes it is Predictable, it is predictable that Archuleta would do a GREAT job with it!
Love Archie’s version of And So It Goes! Absolutely beautiful…. A PeERFECT start!! yes it is Predictable, it is predictable that Archuleta would do a GREAT job with it!
They killed the first part of the song w/ the mix… :angry:
Randy 4 out of 5 Randyism. Right on Simon
This should be an interesting night
Cue the Top 3 comments!!