Idol Headlines ~ 6/19/08

Seacrest Produces Momma's Boys

Luke Menard Battles Cancer

Cook's MySpace Celebrity Q&A

Archuleta Drops Out of Murray High

Idols Nominated for the Teen Choice Awards

Mercado, Smithson & White Shoot a Commercial

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

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).

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

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

Neil Diamond Theme: Song Suggestions

Next week the top 5 will be singing the songs of Neil Diamond. It has not been confirmed if they will each be doing two songs or not. Traditionally, the top 5 have done two, however I'm leaning towards the idea that this year they might not based on the following: 1) The show is only set to be an hour (when the top 10 each performed once the show was an hour and a half). 2) There is no mention of two songs in the official press release, and the AI moderators seem to know less on the subject than I do. 3) In Carly's exit interview she mentioned that the song (singular) she had planned to do was a ballady version of "Sweet Caroline." Still, I'll list more than one song suggestion for each contestant just in case.

For me, sorting through the Neil Diamond songbook was about as enjoyable as listening to the cheesefest that is the American Idol Songwriter contest submissions. Sorry Diamond fans, but I can't honestly say I found anything I actually WANT to hear. My 7-year old daughter (who hated Hannah Montana until IGB) agrees, and suggested they do a Miley Cyrus theme instead. Somehow I think that might be preferable.

I expect to see "I'm a Believer" as the group song since this year's finalists seem to have a penchant for songs from the Shrek soundtrack, and also because "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" (which I loathe) has already been group-numbered.

Here we go:

D-Cook (on top, 'cuz that's where I like him): "Solitary Man," "If You Know What I Mean" or "Longfellow Serenade." Best of all would be "Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon" if dedicated to the 17-year old female version of ALW.

Castro: The most obvious and fitting song for our Dreadlocked friend is UB40's version of "Red, Red Wine" which both me and my buddy IdolJenn have suggested previously. I also think that--if done in a higher key--"If I Never Knew Your Name" suits Jason's phrasing and falsetto. And finally there's "Play Me" because Jason's guitar called to say she misses his long and loving...fingers.

Brookie: I had "slowed-down version of 'Sweet Caroline' (perhaps without the "oh-oh-oh's")" written down for Brooke before I heard Carly'd planned to do it, and am sticking with it as my top choice. Then there's "You are the Best Part of Me" and "September Morning" (which requires a lyric change).

Syesha: "I've Got a Feelin' (Oh No, No)" (which also would need a lyric change) since I prefer non-ballady Syesha. Otherwise "Thank the Lord for the Night Time" (which is as close as I get to suggesting anything with religious connotations) or "Hello Again."

Archie: "Be," "The Gift of Song," and--even though it's WAYYY too schmaltzy for my taste--"Heartlight."

I am aware that my list omits the majority of Diamond's #1 hits, and I'm all right with that.

What would you like to hear?

Cheaper by the Dozen

It's time to find out who made the top 12, or as recapper extraodinaire Linda Sharp would say, who fills the American Idol metallic egg carton.

But first, Blake Lewis--wearing more layers than an onion and some shiny pants--is here to perform his newest single "How Many Words." B-Shorty beatboxes for most of the song (perhaps it should be titled "Not Many Words") and does some moonwalk-type moves. Ironically, the song includes the lyric "right back were we started" which makes me long for the "Somewhere Only We Know" days. He also sings about "getting caught in uranus." Actually it's "your reign and" but he doesn't enunciate well. The song feels extremely long and drawn out but that could be because AI has us trained to expect half-songs.

36 million votes were received, which is five million more than last week. Paula's in a fedora and is congratulated on having the #1 song on iTunes (which has since been surpassed by Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" thanks to Castro). Simon is asked to congratulate Pauler and he hems and haws over it before saying "well done."

After rolling the tape of the highlights of the guy's performance night, Ryan reminds us that there are eight faces, but only six places. The first person to be inaugurated into the coveted top 12 is David Cook. Archuleta and Castro are quickly asked to join him.

After the break it's the girl's turn, and we watch their recap video. Brooke is deemed safe and shyly makes her way across the room. Smirkado is asked the stand and the judges are consulted as to whether or not she's in. After three quick "yes'es" they make it official. Kady Malloy is then let go and makes her way to the center of the stage to watch her Idol journey and sing her swan song. Asia'h cries, Danny cries, and the performance isn't even as good as the night before--Kady is shaky and has got her b*tch face on.

Ryan announces that beginning next week they will be opening up the phone lines live on the result's show. Well that sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen.

It's back to the guys. Hernandez and Michael are IN, Lukeolas is OUT. For once Luke decides to wear a hot shirt, we see his journey, he sings and then he go-goes.

Ramiele, Carly and Amanda are asked to stay, while Kristy and Asia'h are left to cross their fingers for the final seat in the girls row of shiny saucer stools. After the break, the judges are consulted as to who they think is going home. Randy says he thinks it's going to swing Asia'h's way, Paula refuses to answer directly, and Simon predicts Asia'h is going home...and d*mn it he's right. We see her tearful video and she reprises "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" which is completely inappropriate save for the line "I've done alright up until now."

Danny and Chikezie--the only boys remaining, are asked to come down front and center. Unfortunately, it's Danny who gets the axe. I know there are at least two Danny haters to every Danny fan, but you gotta admit the guy is more entertaining than McCheesy, who I just can't see going platinum or filling up stadiums. We see Danny's tape, Ramiele cries, and Danny sings the words "take my tears and that's not really all."

They then recycle footage from the Top 24 video to announce the top 12 (and edit the "Eze" from Chikezie's name which mysteriously vanished during week one of performances).
So here you have it America, your top 12:

Jason Castro * David Archuleta * David Hernandez * David Cook * Michael Johns * Chikezie * Kristy Lee Cook * Carly Smithson * Brooke White * Ramiele Malubay * Amanda Overmyer * Syesha Mercado

Who will be the first to leave?