David Archuleta - Press Tour

Live with Regis & Kelly Interview & "Angels" performance





Morning Show with Mike & Juliet Interview & "Angels" performance


EW's Idolatry Video Interviews with David Archuleta: Parts 1 & 2, Part 3

Syesha Mercado - Press Tour

Live with Regis & Kelly - Interview & performance of "If I Ain't Got You"

EW's Idolatry Video Interviews with Syesha

The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet - Interview & performance of "If I Ain't Got You" VIDEO

TVGuide.com's David Cook Interview

Nothing I haven't heard before, except his favorite curse word...

Nightline Playlist: David Cook

Have You Heard?

Cook broke multiple records this week and has signed with RCA

Archuleta to sign with Jive Records

Clay Aiken is going to be a father. Really.

Sanjaya is in India filming a nation-wide commercial

Andrew Cook will sing the National Anthem next week in Kansas City, MO

David Cook reveals his hair secrets, and shows off his acting skillz (VIDEO)

Michael Johns & Kat McPhee were part of the David Foster & Friends Concert (VIDEO)

Michael Johns Sings the National Anthem at Wrigley Field

EW Idolatry: David Cook Interview

After several rounds of talk show hosts asking the same generic questions, EW's video interview with David Cook is a breath of fresh air. Relevant questions from true Idol fans/bloggers are poised, and we get some answers I've been waiting for all season. Bravo Idolatry!

Interview parts 1-3

Interview parts 4 & 5

The Davids on The Early Show

David Cook interview & performance of "Time of My Life"





David Archuleta interview & performance of "Angels"

Jason Castro Day!

Yesterday was Jason Castro Day in Rockwall, TX and they basically did all the same parade/performance/celebration stuff they would have done for the show had Jason made the top three. I don't remember any town ever doing this for a contestant post-Idol, so yay for Rockwall and Castro!

Bonus points for busting out the ukulele for "Deep in the Heart of Texas"!

VIDEOS:

Jason performs "Daydream"

Jason performs an original song he wrote

Jason receives a key to the city and an American flag

Jason performs "Over the Rainbow" and "Deep in the Heart of Texas"

The Davids on The Today Show

Video footage:

The Davids are interviewed together on The Today Show

David Cook's rehearsal of "Time of My Life"

David Cook interview and "Time of My Life" performance

David Archuleta rehearses "Think of Me" and flubs the lyrics

David Archuleta's second rehearsal of "Think of Me"

David Archuleta interview and "Think of Me" performance

Piggyback Ride for the Davids!

The Davids on MTV's TRL

David Cook on The Mike & Juliet Show

Amanda Overmyer Rocks The Whisky

Premiering original song "Play On"




Covering "Piece of My Heart" and "Can't Do That"

Josiah Leming Premieres New Song

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

David Cook on Ellen

David Cook performs "The World I Know" and does an interview on The Ellen Degeneres Show.

Watch here.

David Cook on Live With Regis & Kelly

Larry King's Top 10 Q&A

An all-new hour of footage taped the other night but broadcast for the first time tonight. (Because THAT's not confusing or anything...)





Click here for the rest.

A Personal Thank You from David Cook

Katharine McPhee in "The House Bunny"

Katharine McPhee plays a pregnant, nerdy college student who gets a makeover in the upcoming comedy, The House Bunny. Is it wrong that I really want to see this?

The Return of Kevin "Chicken Little" Covais...

Season 5's Kevin Covais stars in the upcoming movie College, his very own American Pie/Roadtrip/Superbad type teenage party movie. This may actually be funnier than his "rapping" on Paris "Princess P" Bennett's album. (Just kidding...NOTHING could be funnier than his "rapping" on Paris "Princess P" Bennett's album.)

On Air with Ryan Seacrest: Radio Interviews

Interview with Debbie, Nigel and the David's (this aired Wed morning but appears to have been recorded the night before)

Interview with David Cook the morning after his win

David Cook's Upcoming TV Appearances

Week of 5/26 -- EW will post individual video interview; TVGUIDE also conducting interview.
Monday, 5/26 -- Access Hollywood (report that DC segment will be on)
Monday, 5/26 -- Top 10 and special performance on Larry King Live (CNN at 9 p.m. EST)
Tuesday, 5/27 -- Live with Regis & Kelly and ELLEN
Wednesday, 5/28 -- Mike & Juliet (FOX)
Thursday, 5/29 -- TODAY SHOW (NBC) -- Part of concert series!
Thursday, 5/29 -- MTV TRL (3:30 p.m. EST)

Top 10 on Larry King Live

David Cook interview

David Archuleta interview

The David's interviewed together

Syesha & Jason join in

Brooke & Carly

Kristy, Michael (via satellite), Ramiele & Chikezie

The top 10 (sans MJ) list their song picks for the tour, their Idol yearbook superlatives, and sing a little "Freedom"

David Cook on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

David Cook Performs on Access Hollywood

Single: The Time of My Life

The Time of My Life

I've been waiting for my dreams
To turn into something
I could believe in
And looking for that
Magic rainbow
On the horizon
I couldn't see it
Until I let go
Gave into love and watched all the bitterness burn
Now I'm coming alive
Body and soul
And feelin' my world start to turn

And I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time
To be more than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life

Holding onto things that vanished
Into the air
Left me in pieces
But now I'm rising from the ashes
Finding my wings
And all that I needed
Was there all along
Within my reach
As close as the beat of my heart

And I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
The time of my life

And I'm out on the edge of forever
Ready to run
I'm keeping my feet on the ground
My arms open wide
My face to the sun

I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
My life
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
This is the time of my life
Life
Time of my life
Time of my life

Buy it on iTunes. Add him on MySpace. Support your American Idol 2008!

Idol Extra: David Cook Interview

David Cook Feels Like Dancing!

Congratulations on becoming the new American Idol!!! :)

Idol's Horoscopes: Winner Prediction?

There's been a lot of speculation about tonight's results and which David will take the title.

Here are a few of them:

There's no question that Archuleta out-sang Cook last night, but Cook has turned in more consistently memorable performances throughout the season. Result = Draw.

The person Paula has picked a song for during top three week has never gone on to win the show. Result = Cook will win.

Only one contestant who performed first at the finale took the title. Result = Archie is more likely to win.

Some of Archie's teenybopper fans couldn't vote the full four hours on a school night, but a lot of Cook's "older" fans we're falling asleep while voting as well. Result = Draw.

Cook wore the black vest of doom, despite my desperate warning not to in the 11th hour (thanks for dropping the ball on getting that message passed, Andrew!) Result = Archie should win.

All of the online polls and statistics sites agree = Cook will win.

Finally, the following was just brought to my attention. According to each of the David's horoscopes for today, Cook will win:

David Cook (Sagittarius) - You confidence could get you exactly where you need to be right now, either in your career or in your romantic life -- or in both! Seek out the people who make you feel like you're a rock star, and reboot your ego. Once you're feeling more self-assured, dramatic results should show up right away -- possibly by tonight. This could be the start of a very powerful phase for you -- you are capable of achieving great things, you just need to believe it.

David Archuleta (Capricorn) - If you want to make a change in your life, that's a fine idea, today -- but take it slowly. Rushing toward what you think you want deprives you of the chance to think things through at each crossroads. Don't move at an unconscious speed -- you have to be mindful of each step you take. If you swing from extreme to extreme, you'll spend so much energy trying to get back into balance that the progress you made will be pointless. In the end, slow and steady beats fast and frantic every time.

One thing's for sure, the pause Ryan will emit between "And the winner of American Idol season 7 is, David...." and their corresponding last name will go on for a ridiculously long time.

Top 2: Song Spoilers

In Tuesday's performance show, the top 2 will each sing three songs: One of their choice (either a reprisal or a new song), Clive Davis's choice (no, really!), and the song each of the David's chose from the list of 10 top rated Songwriter's contest songs. Spoilers of the actual songs are posted in the comments section.

For finale spoilers, including who will be appearing and what they'll be singing, visit mjsbigblog.com

Mad TV's Idol Parody

Danny Noriega: No Finale Tickets for You!

Three's a Crowd...

Only one week until the confetti flies and the winner is crowned. Let's see who will be duking it out...

This week's results show opens with another cheesy group number, as the top three are forced to sing "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now." I tune out around the time Syesha urges me to, "listen to every word I say."

Twice Ryan mentions that 56 million votes were counted in order to achieve this week's result.

The Ford Music Video features the song "How Far is Heaven" as the contestants visit a fortune teller who forssees an episode of Cribz in each of the top 3's near future. Instead of Hummers and Bentley's however, all Cook gets to look forward to are two Fords.

Roll tape of last night's ménage à trois of performances.

Then Fantasia performs "Bore Me" and it is truly a WTF? performance. She's gained weight and is sporting braces and bright red hair. 90% of the lyrics are incomprehensible, she sounds raspy as hell and the dancing...well, Simon's face says it all...

After the commercial break, Ryan reminds us that the Idols Live! tour tickets go on sale on Saturday and that the Jordin Sparks postage stamps are now available.

Time for the results. Archie is called out first. They roll footage of his trip back home to Murray, Utah in which he is attacked by his highschool cheerleaders, sings "Imagine," visits the radio station and the Gateway Mall, and wonders where everyone parked. Then, in a new twist, they decide to air each of the top three's journey videos, which is actually kind of cool since the top two have always gotten cheated out of that.

Syesha's up next, and I can't help but notice that they've recalled the hair extensions in honor of her inevitable elimination. She visited Tampa Bay, Florida along with several other surrounding cities. Her turnouts do not rival those of the David's, she gets a baby thrown at her, her dad admits to struggling with drug addiction in the past and currently enjoying a "natural high," and the mayor upstages her by doing a handstand.

Then of course it's Cook's turn in the spotlight, only they pull his brother Andrew up on stage to thank him for making it happen (haha, I met him before he was famous!). David got his own crying girl, visited his former teacher Mrs. Gentry, rode in a parade and performed for 12,000 people at his high school. There's an error on Ryan's cue card, and Roberta Flack is confused with Chaka Khan.

The judges are consulted, and Simon says if he gets the finale he wants it's going to be a "humdinger."

Syesha gets the Vonzell/K-Lo treatment and reprises "If I Ain't Got You." Here's hopin' that Mr. Mercado has learned that crack is whack.

And so, predictably, it will be a David vs. David finale, in the first male showdown since season two. Archie won the coin toss and will be performing last next week.

And So It Goes...Round and Round

We're down to the "top" three, the finale's only a week away and it's time to board the Idol merry-go-round and we endure three rounds of songs, critiques, phone numbers and interviews. Hold on tight, 'cuz you won't wanna miss a thing...

Round One: Judges' Choice

Paula chose "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel for Archuleta. Note that NO contestant Paula has chosen for has ever gone on to win the show, and 5 of the 6 contestants who performed first during top three week were then eliminated. After a brief violin opening, Archie sings a cappella, which was a very smart move. He delivers a beautiful vocal, arguably the best of the night (although I enjoyed Cook's closing song the best in rehearsal). And so it goes...and so it goes...and so it goes...wow that felt way longer on TV, but no matter. I'm proud of the kid. A

Randy's choice for Syesha is "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, which *interestingly* enough, she already performed on a show called "The One." She wears a sparkly lounge singer dress (DC was fascinated by the reflection it cast on the stage in rehearsal), and it is a very standard Syesha performance that lacks the grittiness of Alicia's vocal and delivery and feels a bit uneven. B

Simon went on record saying that he wanted to pick Cook's song so that he could "push him in a different direction" (interesting, since he's also said he'd listen to him "on a personal level.") Simon's choice for D-Cook is Roberta Flack's "If Ever I Saw Your Face" which has *curiously* already been covered by Simon's prodigy Leona Lewis (Simon's sit-in joked that it was a great song choice, which had DC in stitches). Cook sounds a bit off for the first half of the song and ends with his signature shouty note (not hatin', although shouting about YOUR FACE did seem a tad strange). LOVE the shots of his mom standing and swaying in the audience and when his dad mouthed "Who was the first?" when Paula said it was her second favorite rendition of the song. David brought out a Guitar Hero guitar in rehearsal and acted like he was going to "play" it at first. My friend shouted out that we wanted to see him "on the piano" because we had heard that he plays. He cleared up that rumor, saying that he plays a little but not enough to do it in a performance. Then he said he was "terrible" but I think he was talking about Guitar Hero because I've also heard that--like most guitar players--he's no good. A-

Round Two: Contestant's Choice

In an attempt to appear current (and suspend reality), Archie chose Chris Brown's "With You." This made me giggle, because it involves such choice lyrics as "My Boo," and "Hey little mama," but he totally ended up killing it in rehearsal by playing to the crowd and adding some funky fresh moves (one girl actually cried, LOL). Then things fell apart on TV, and the middle was a complete mess as he struggled with the lyrics. It did however result in the best line of the night, when, after expressing my dismay over his forgetting the words again, Mini-Me exclaimed (in all seriousness) "OMG! He must have amnesia or something!" :::Pauses for laughter::: I'll average out the two versions of the performance I saw and give this a B-.

Syesha delivers a sultry cabaret performance of Peggy Lee's "Fever" with a chair in a dangerously short dress. Paris Bennett did this song in season 5 and it wasn't nearly as :::ahem::: hot. Still, burning hot for Syesha is kinda like lukewarm for Cook. She can ACT sexy but I don't find myself wanting to switch teams when I watch her Haley Scarnat-ho it up, ya know? Props to her for loosening up this week and having fun. She knows she's got little chance of making the finale and isn't stressin'. See ya on Broadway, girl! A-

Cook originally chose Collective Soul's "The World I Know" but then changed his pick to Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move" for whatever reason. He experienced feedback in rehearsal as well as issues choreographing the dis-assembly of the guitar, resulting in maximum Cookie time on stage. The song itself was predictable, safe, and felt like it was over in a flash but I ain't mad at him. Also spotted, the best sign ever: "Cougars 4 Cook!" LOL. A-

Round Three: Producer's Choice

The producers (Nigel?) chose "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg for Archie's final song. I hated that they picked such a dreary ballad for him but he sang it well. It was pretty boring and forgettable, but not his fault. A-

Syesha got to "have fun" again with "Hit Me Up" from the Happy Feet soundtrack. Um, yeah. W T F producers? Could your intentions BE any more obvious? She makes the most of it, but it still won't be enough to "save" her. B+

Finally, a decent song choice from the producers: D-Cook has been assigned "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith, which Antonella Barba butchered last year. Don't get me wrong, it's no "Iris," but a solid song choice nonetheless. The assembly of the strings on stage was brilliant, and I got chills while listening to this because I felt like (okay, imagined) he was singing to me. Cook didn't go for the big notes Steven Tyler hits, but that was probably wise after what happened when MJ attempted Aerosmith. A

* * *

On the way out we talked to a few of Archie's family members and got to meet "David Cook's Awesome Brother" Andrew who lived up to his awesome title and was as nice as could be (he confirmed that he'll be auditioning again next year so keep an eye out for him).

Jason Castro: Post-Show Performances

So I never got to properly say goodbye to my second fave, Jason Castro. I loved how he went out with a smile. Unfortunately, it seems like all the people interviewing him want to talk about are his dreads and how relieved he was to be going home. For that reason I'm only posting the performances, not the interviews.


Singing "Daydream" on Ellen


Performing "Over the Rainbow" on Regis & Kelly

New Single: Boney James & Syesha Mercado

Boney James & American Idol's Syesha Mercado

Release Exclusive Internet Only Single

The Only Place You Are "Gonna Get It" Is On iTunes!

Urban Jazz Icon and American Idol's Last Woman Standing Release iTunes Exclusive on May 12th, 2008

Los Angeles, CA- On May 12th two-time Grammy Award nominee Boney James and current American Idol Top 3 finalist Syesha Mercado join forces to release the soulful uptempo groover "Gonna Get It" exclusively on iTunes. Written by James and critically acclaimed R&B singer-songwriter Rahsaan Patterson, "Gonna Get It" pairs the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer James with the last woman standing on American Idol - seductive songstress Syesha Mercado. Says James: "The first time I saw Syesha perform, I was incredibly impressed. 'Gonna Get It' seemed like a perfect fit for her. I'm really proud of how well she's doing on American Idol."

It's up on Boney's MySpace for listening: http://www.myspace.com/boneyjamesmusic

More Idol Trivia

In the history of American Idol, there has never been an all-male top three.

David Archuleta has yet to use a mic stand during an Idol performance (there have been 14!)

Jason Castro only performed one song without the use of a guitar and/or stool, and it is generally considered to be his worst performance (The Beatles "Michelle," top 11 week).

David Cook has yet to sit during a non-group performance.

Elliott Yamin is the only male to ever finish in third place.

None of the contestants Paula has ever been assigned to choose a song for during top 3 week have gone on to win.

Sanjaya sported at least eight different hairstyles during his run on the show.

Every one of this year's top 6 girls was either married or engaged. Those same six girls performed at the beginning of the top 20 girls show.

Songs from the Shrek soundtrack have been featured 5 times this season.

The big Idol stage has seen the likes of 17 "black divas" (and that's not including the semi-finals!)

At least four contestants (Carrie Underwood, Bucky Covington, Haley Scarnato and Anthony Fedorov) were in serious relationships during their run on AI but ended things with their significant other shortly thereafter.

None of the first six AI winners share the same astrological sign.

Elvis's "Suspicious Minds" is now considered to be a kiss-of-death song after claiming the contestantship of the only two (Chris Daughtry and Colton Berry) who sang it on the show.

Syesha was the first contestant to ever perform atop a piano on Idol (both seated and standing).

At least seven former contestants have gone on to appear on Broadway.

Jason Castro is the only contestant to ever drastically boost sales of another artist's version of a song after he performed it on Idol, and he did it twice. (Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" and Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow.")

Hometown Visit Coverage & Song Spoilers

The top 3 are making the rounds in their hometowns today. Look below to find their corresponding hometown media coverage with pictures, videos, articles and live feeds.

David Cook Blue Springs, MO Live Feed

David Archuleta Murry, UT Media Coverage

Syesha Mercado Tampa, FL Media Coverage

Song spoilers for next week's show will be posted in the comments section as they become available.

Top 3: Hometown Visit Schedules

The Top 3 are on their way home...to visit. Friday is a whirlwind of events for each contestant, and they'll be back in LA to rehearse their three songs for next week (judges choice, producer's choice, contestant's choice) before they know it. Footage from the hometown visits will air during Wednesday's results show.

Here's what they're doing:

David Cook (Blue Springs, MO)

Morning Appearance on the Fox 4 Morning Show
11:30 A.M. Free mini-concert in the downtown Power & Light District, Kansas City, MO
3:30 P.M. Homecoming Parade, Blue Springs, MO
4:00 P.M. Celebration/Concert for 10,000, Blue Springs, MO
7:00 P.M. Cook at the ‘K’ - David to throw out the first pitch and sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at the Kansas City Royals game

David Archuleta (Murray, UT)

Morning appearance on Fox 13’s “Good Day Utah”

Appearance at Murray High School

Utah Jazz game where he will sing the National Anthem

Syesha Mercado (Tampa, FL)

8 A.M. Good Day Tampa Bay
10:30 A.M. Bradenton City Hall (downtown)
12:30 P.M. Booker High School in Sarasota (Not open to the public)
3:30 P.M. Ca D’Zan Mansion at the Ringling Museum - open air concert
7 P.M. National Anthem at Tampa Bay Rays vs. Angels game in St. Petersburg

How I Spent TuesDAVE

No time for a real recap, and the snark tank's running on empty so I'll quickly recap my Idol Day in pictures.

Met Cryin' Ashley in line for rehearsal. (How jealous are YOU?)

Went in and got placed front row center again (thanks Mike!). Lots of fun. Got back in for the live show, but just barely and missed the beginning.

Remember Archie's model-hot cousin I mentioned meeting last week? He's our new friend.

And finally...

Mission accomplished.

Michael & Carly on Ellen

Michael Johns and Carly Smithson were in Chicago Saturday for a special taping of the Ellen DeGeneres show which will air Tuesday. They were personally invited by Ellen and performed two duets together: U2's "One" and Sam & Dave's "Hold On, I'm Coming."

You can read more about the taping here.

Contestants in Vegas for LOVE & Dolphins

The Final Four were in Vegas again yesterday to see The Beatle's LOVE show at The Mirage...

...and to get up close and personal with dolphins.

Click here fore more photos.

American Idol Trivia

So far, the winner of American Idol has never been in the bottom 3 during the first five weeks of finals.

Taylor Hicks was the oldest winner at 29, Jordin Sparks the youngest at 17.

Bo Bice remains the only contestant to ever perform a capella outside of auditions.

Jason Castro was the first contestant to play an instrument, and is the only one to ever play a ukulele.

Brooke White remains the only female to play an instrument on the show, and was the first of those that did play instruments to be eliminated (with the exception of Chikezie’s brief harmonica “playing”).

No contestant to perform last has ever been eliminated that same week prior to the Final 4.

The top 5 has always contained at least one African American contestant (mostly female).

The top 3 has never contained a married contestant. (Chris Daughtry came closest in 4th place.)

The first 5 AI winners were from the South, two of which (Ruben and Taylor) were from the same city (Birmingham, AL).

In season 4, viewers had to re-vote when a few incorrect phone numbers were displayed during top 11 week.

Thus far, David Cook has done four covers of covers. Chris Daughtry did two.

More often than not, the person who opens the show is also the one to be eliminated that week, or at least find themselves in the bottom 2/3.

Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds (Take A Look at Me Now)” has been performed every season during competition except last year, which makes it the most popular contestant song pick.

Brooke White is the only Idol contestant to ever stop and restart her song during a live performance.

Chris Daughtry is the most successful contestant to not finish in the top 2 of AI. He is the 4th most successful Idol behind Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Clay Aiken.

Corey Clark (season 2) remains the only contestant to have ever been disqualified during the voting rounds of the competition. Frenchie Davis and The Brittenum twins were disqualified before making the top 12/24.

So far this season, every contestant to wear a black vest during a broadcast (Garrett Haley, David Hernandez, Ramiele Malubay, Michael Johns and Carly Smithson) was eliminated that week, with the exception of Brooke White who survived until a later date. The opposite is true of those who wore grey vests.

Clay Aiken is the only runner-up to avoid the bottom 2/3 during finals. Melinda Doolittle and Tamyra Gray also managed to go far while avoiding the bottom 2/3 before the night of their elimination.

There has been a “shocker” vote off every season but season 2. (Tamyra Gray, Jennifer Hudson/LaToya London, Constantine Maroulis, Chris Daughtry, Melinda Doolittle and Michael Johns, respectively.)

Mario Vazquez remains the only contestant to ever willingly withdraw from the competition after making it into the voting rounds. (Season 4, top 12). Nikko Smith took his place.

Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks are the only contestants to ever finish the competition without ever hitting the bottom 2/3. So far this season, David Cook and David Archuleta have done the same.

Anthony Fedorov and Melinda Doolittle are the only contestants to ever be eliminated after performing last that same week. (Finale week doesn’t count since no one is “eliminated.”)

Until David Cook broke the curse this week, every contestant to perform second during top 5 week was promptly eliminated.

The first five contestants who performed first during top 3 week were then eliminated. Jordin Sparks broke the curse.

Bo Bice holds the record for making it the furthest in the competition (runner-up, season 4) without receiving any airtime prior to the top 24 episode. Jason Castro is currently closing in on Bice’s record.

At a whopping 6 times, Syesha Mercado is currently tied with Nikki McKibbin for the most appearances in the bottom 2/3.

Clay Aiken holds the “pimp spot” record for closing the most shows at 5 times. Ruben Studdard and Diana DeGarmo each closed 4 shows (this does not include “specials.”)

This year’s Idols Live! Tour will begin in the hometown of our current Idol Jordin Sparks, and, if David Cook wins, it will end in the city of our newest American Idol.

Despite rumors that this could be the last season due to the lowest ratings the show has seen in five years, American Idol has been renewed through 2011.

Idol Headlines ~ 5/2/08

David Cook's Former Bandmates Recall His Early Years

Re-Thinking Idol

Paula Abdul's Job is Safe

New Music from Robbie Carrico

David Cook Won't Royally Screw Kids

Carly & Michael to Duet on Ellen May 6th

Bo Bice & Maroon 5 to Perform on the Top 4 Results Show

Vote for the Worst Backs Jason Castro, Temporarily Changes Name

Carrie Underwood's "Last Name" Music Video

Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame Theme: Song Suggestions

Next week the Final Four will be singing songs that helped shape and inspire rock 'n roll according to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. Which basically means that they can choose any two songs off of this list, provided that the artist is willing to give up the rights (so far, U2 has been off limits). I was briefly excited about the theme, until I actually read the list. Looks like AI is finally making up for (read: getting us back after) cutting the group numbers during Hollywood Week. Lots of great artists, but not necessarily their best songs. The list also contains an alarming number of songs that have already been performed this season, or were a mega-smash with a previous contestant like Bo and Chris and therefore cannot be touched. Oh boy.

Here goes:

THE ROCKER: Everyone assumes this will be D-Cook's week to shine, but for me, he shines every week and I don't think the list of songs to choose from is going to do him any favors. He's also going to have to try and dig deeper than the more obvious choices and be on top of his game (I really hope get gets that much needed vocal rest). I am unenthusiastically suggesting David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust," "Back in Black" (AC/DC) and a hipper unplugged version of "Layla" than when Eric Clapton covered it. DC's brother Adam has expressed a love for Duran Duran and presumably wants him to cover something by them, however the only choice on the list is "Hungry Like the Wolf" and I'm not feelin' it. Also, before ya'll go crazy with the Nirvana suggestion of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," DC has said he isn't a fan of theirs (although that song ironically suits him the best). Maybe he'll take one for the team.

THE DIVA: Does anyone really care what Syesha sings? "Respect," and "Chain of Fools" are the obvious choices, but I'd rather she talk a half-step outside the box with "When Doves Cry" (the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack version) and "Summertime Blues" by Eddie Cochran (which Jason could also do).

THE DREADHEAD: Jason would do good with "Hotel California" (The Eagles), "No Woman, No Cry" (Bob Marley), "American Pie" by Don McLean, my previous suggestions of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" and The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" (although I'm sure we've all had enough Beatles for one season).

THE JAIL BAIT: And for Archie we have "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 (simply because it is less painful than "ABC") and the Danny Noriega version of "Proud Mary."

Consensus?

Babbling Brooke Runs Dry

The results are in, America. Is your favorite out?

KLC is in the house. (Methinks she came to try and swipe one of The Diamond's sparkly shirts.)

Ryan is still out of breath...from all the damage control he had to do over Paula-Gate 2008.

Time for an especially crappy group medley of Neil Diamond songs. There were parts of this where I felt like I was watching some horrible talent competition. (Oh wait...) Jason kicks things off with "Cracklin' Rosie" and his voice is a-cracklin' alright. The others sit and sway on the couches like they're fighting traitorous waters on a sinking ship, further inspiring seasickness in those at home. Due to a tricky camera maneuver, I actually thought Archie's too-low register was coming out of Brooke the Tranny for a sec (scary!). Girls do a seat-changing twirl on the couches before getting up to flank Archie with some awkward go-go dancer moves. DC sings, and the hoi polloi doesn't seem to notice that something is wrong with his voice. (Nurse SB prescribes some vocal rest, stat. I'll even cut down our late night phone convos for the cause. Don't need him getting Daughtry-ed next week.) They segue into "Song Sung Blue" and do the infamous Idol side-step while reading the words off the monitor. And finally, the misery ends with a lil "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" preaching. Hallelujah...it's over.

After the break, Ryan spends an unsettlingly brief amount of time addressing Pauler's gaffe, and still no one apologizes to Jason.

We get a 2 1/2 minute recap of the performances, and The Diamond calls the contestants "tops."

Contestants are huddled backstage awaiting their fate, and J-Cast is called out first and sent to safety. While many of my fellow posters seem to think this was the least they could do, it totally killed any suspense over who was going home. I also think it might have been a strategic maneuver on the production's part to give the Dreadheads a false sense of security in order to push Syesha into the top three.

Archie is safe. Judging by her outfit, Mama A is ready to celebrate with some serious salsa dancing after the show. (Either that, or she wants to audition to be one of The Diamond's back up singers). Seriously, could Archie's parents BE any more oddly matched?

Ryan announces that next week's theme is songs that helped shape and inspire rock 'n roll according to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. Before you get too excited, I checked the list, and it really isn't as good as it sounds.

We get an extended SYTYCD preview. Question: Is this just footage from previous seasons, or is Sex really back for more?

Time to announce the winner of the Coca-Cola Cup-Designing Contest. OMG! That's almost as exciting as the notoriously bad American Songwriter Contest. Congratulations guy who won, your parents must be so proud!

More results. Cookie survives The Curse of Going Second on Top Five Week, and it looks like his mom borrowed some of his black nailpolish. (Oh crap, my future MIL is edgier than I am.)

Brooke & Syesha are called center stage. Notice that they are never officially declared the bottom two. Because there's still a good half hour to kill, they are temporarily sent to the couches. Brooke says, "We'll stay as long as we can." Aw!

Natasha Bedingfield performs "Pocket Full of Sunshine" in a horrible Brooke-esque outfit. I like Natasha, but the whole thing pretty much blows. She then gets cuddly with Archie on the couches. Creepy.

Oh God, we still have the "live" call-in segment to get through, and this time the contestants get no love, as all of the questions are directed to the judges table:

-10-year old Michael from Landcaster wants to know why Paula always gives everyone a break. It's because she's the Anti-Simon, Mikey. Everyone's got a role in this thing.

-Miranda from Louisiana wants to know if Paula plans to do another wind-blowing music video with Randy. Simon crosses his fingers, and Paula says she plans to keep on Dancing Like There's No Tomorrow.

-Tara Miller wants to know if Simon remembers their kiss in his garden when he was nine, or if locking lips with Paula has erased that memory. Simon remembers her, and asks if she still looks cute. Ryan wants to know if kissing Simon is really as good as his fantasies.

Hybrid Ford Video to the tune of "Catch the Wind" in which the Idols transform a run-down part of town into...a run-down part of town with some trees and less smog and trash. This might have been a good one for Earth Day last week, geniuses.

Neil Diamond forgoes a sparkly shirt with fringe in favor of a Johnny Cash Man in Black outfit instead. This disappoints me. He sings "Pretty Amazing Grace" and looks to have aged 15 years since he mentored the contestants on Saturday. I suddenly have a horrible vision of D-Cook as a wrinkly old man rocker.

After over 45 million votes, we say goodbye to Brooke who has to choke through tears to reprise "I Am, I Said." Oh boy. At least hubby can cut his hair now.

Always be Victorious!