American Idol

I haven't weighed in on American Idol this season.  So much happened tonight that I had to blog.  Before I begin, what is the deal with Paula tonight?  Can she keep with with how many songs they've sung?  I mean, my wife thought I had missed part of the show on the DVR.  Focus.  Focus.

OK... here's the run-down.  We're in the home stretch with 5 remaining singers in this SINGING talent.  Here is my take.

1.     David Cook should win.  Here's why
Creativity - I love his arrangement choices to make the song his own. His melody decisions and ad-libs are well done.  Risk-Taker - Selection of music shows willingness to take a chance.  Versatility - He has shown much variety and versatility in using contrasting styles and instrumentations.  Although his strengths lie in Rock  (ie Music of the Night), he can sing anything.  On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, I rank David at a 9.

2.    David Archuleta should be a close number 2.  In fact, the only think keeping him from winning the whole thing is his inexperience.  This guy is by far the most talented vocally.  His vocals are awesome. He will get a recording contract.  I rank Archuleta a 8.5.

*Carly Smithson was voted out in week six. This was a huge mistake!  I believe that the teenagers won the phone voting battle in week six. Her version of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" was off the charts. She has been strong throughout. I guess her tattoos and foreign accent didn't register well in the teenage popularity contest. I see Cook, Archuleta, and Carly solidly at the top 3. All others fall way behind. While she may be off the show, she WILL get a record deal and succeed. I rank her much higher than the remaining singers at a 8.

3.    Syesha Mercado's talent should take her to the third position (unless the teenage popularity vote prevails).  She has come on stronger in the last 3 weeks.  Since Andrew Lloyd Webber, she has come out of her shell and really competed.  I predict she will have some success in musical theatre.  I rank her at a 6.5.

The remaining Top 5 candidates are only around because of the TPV factor (teenage popular vote).  They are NOT better than the following people who have already been voted off:  Michael Johns, Chikezie, Kristy Lee Cook, Ramiele Malubay, Amanda Overmyer, and of course Carly.

4.  Brooke White will leave the show in 4th place.  She may even outlast Syesha because of the TPV and end up in the top 3.  But if you look at strictly vocal talent, she shouldn't even be in the top 10.  She is a nice girl and very authentic.  She connects well and receives alot of sympathy votes.  I'm sure she is the kindest of them all and would probably receive the congeniality award if one were given.  But unfortunately, she isn't a Top 10 talent.  She has very little stage presence and only feels comfortable hiding behind an instrument.  I rank Brooke a 3.

5.  Jason Castro is from my neighborhood here in the DFW area.  He doesn't belong in the Top 5.  He is a One Trick Pony.  His best effort came with "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" ala Kaulana Kanekoa/Vince Esquire style.  That song was in Castro's sweet spot.  But that spot is limited.  Unless he can sit down and do the layed-back style, Castro falls flat on his face.  The ONLY reason he is where he is now is the TPV.  And remember that the TPV is 90 percent female (in my estimation).  To those teenage girls, he's cute.  Just not talented.  It seems for the last two weeks he hasn't even tried.  It's like he sees the writing on the walls and has understood that more talented people have passed him by.  If he even belonged in the top 12 he should have gone out the first week.  I mean can you even compare Jason's voice to Carly or Michael Johns, or even Chikezie???   Not even in the same neighborhood.  A year after this season, he'll be lucky to get a gig at Joe's Crab Shack in Plano.  I rank Jason a 2.

SIDE NOTE
And what's the deal with the mosh pit in front.  Can anyone stop the waving arms?  Why do they have to wave the arms???   It's like some kind of mindless, smelly human metronome pit(s).  Half the time they aren't even on the beat.  The other times artists in rubato moments feel the struggle of keeping time with the waving arms. Someone must stop the waving of the arms!!

Overall, this season has been great!  Alot of talent.

Comments

[Bill Bennett]

I just found out about Kaulana Kanekoa's band from Maui, Kanekoa from you post... I searched them out and wow... they are amazing. They were in the Farrelly Brothers/Ben Stiller movie, "The Heartbreak Kid", Kaulana's, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" has been an internet sensation, and, they have a new record in the stores called, "Under The Coconut Sky". Thanks Bob for turning me onto the coolest new band I've found out about in a long time... I can't believe those are ukuleles!!!

[Ava]

I agree with you predictions and scores. I love David Archuletta. I think he's the best, but David Cook will definitely win. He is also very good - a real Chris Daughtry. I am so glad Brooke White is gone. What's up with her stopping during her song to start again. That is crazy! David Archuletta didn't do that when he messed up his words! Anyway. I am also surprised that Carly got voted off when she did. She also was very talented. Jason Castro - gotta go! He is kinda cool and different, but please! I am your number one American Idol go to girl, so anytime you miss an episode and you need some info, give me a ring!

[Mike Martin]

I agree mostly with the Idol assessment although, Michael Johns was voted off way too soon. I think he is top 4 talent.

[Mike Arnold]

Just reading the comments here and noticed the band Kanekoa, from Maui has been written about by a few people. I saw this band in Reno a few years back -- I don't understand why they are not the next Dave Mathews, but better. It was the best live show I have ever seen. I haven't seen this movie - and judging by the comments,
I might wati till it's on cable. I would like to see Kanekoa on the big screen though - but in a concert film directed by Martin Scorcese. I suggest whoever is reading this - get a copy of "Under The Coconut Sky" at your nearest record store... You'll love it... PLEASE tour the US!!!!