BARNZsongwriter's Blog

This is my complete response to the post by Shawn Yancy.  I had too much to say and it was truncated, so here it is in it's completion.

Season 7 of American Idol could be the death knell of the series.  I'm not saying that it will die a quick death, I see a slow and painful death where the numbers will decline 6 to 7% a season until the show is as dead as all the other talent shows that came before it.

Every year we are told that we have the best singers ever and every year it's a disappointment, not a total disappointment this year, because we got two great singers as the final two, but I would still say that Kelly Clarkson could sing circles around any of them.

This is one of the weaknesses of American Idol and what makes it overall nothing more than a national Karaoke night.  We listen to people with no vocal training do their best to be singers and we watch people with a lot of training prove that even that won't make them a better vocalist or performer.

The magic and real power of the show are those exceptions where someone come along who have it all and they survive week after week and they develop a fan base and an audience for their product and brand.

Fantasia' performance was embarrassing.  It was over the top and in a word way too much for what that song was and is, a little slice of nothing.  The response of Simon at the end with the camera on him said it all, that performance proved that sometimes the American Idol formula produces results that if time were under out control we would go back and change.

Fantasia was never someone I thought could sing, she doesn't have a pleasent voice.  She Is all bravado and emotion supporting desire on the show and now she is all emotion and bravado supporting nothing.

Mariah is and will always be a powerful singer songwriter who has written powerful songs and some that are, well part of her learning curve.

Having the performers play guitar and piano was cool and they need to keep that, now they need to at some point move beyond the canned Karaoke performances and incorporate original music for the contestants who can do that.

American Idol is about more than just being able to sing.  It's about being a performer who can entertain a room full of people when there is a power outage.

American Idol should be looking for the total package and that includes being able to play an instrument and write a song, or interpert an original song and give it wings.

Jason Castro is the type of contestant that proves and illustrates one of the major flaws and strengths of American Idol that we much accept when an inferior form of entertainment becomes the norm.

Vote For The Worst and other Anti-American Idol sites are a good and bad thing.  On one hand if you don't have people who hate the show and people who love the show equally you won't be around long.  Since the beginning American Idol has had people who have loved it and hated it with a vengence.

American Idol needs to go back to what made it a hit and do that again.

1.  The funniest part of the show are the auditions.  They need to keep that part mostly the same.

One minor adjustment I would make is that I would let more REAL talent get through.  Real talent in terms of people who would never do American Idol getting on the show.  More people like David Cook, people who have a background in and love music.  People who will take a chance every week and do what they want to do in terms of song choice and performance.

The strength of David Cook week after week is that he did what worked for him and researched the music and made the smart and right choices, before the producers reeled him in.

2. The producers need to back off the heavy handed handling of the show.  They have made billions on the backs of unknowns for years.  Well how about really giving back Idol and providing the contestants with their own options in terms of song choice and insert more original songs.

3. Once the contestants are chosen we do need to have the songwriting challange like they did in the first season.

People complain that they are pulling out classic songs and ruining them by having inferior contestants perform them.  I agree in some cases and disagree in other cases.

One remedy is to have a mixture of original and classic songs and some of the songs that are hits today.  That's tough, because of the structure of music licensing and in my opinion, because of the lack of quality of most of the music produced in todays crippled music market.

4.  Give us a glimpse of the behind the scenes workings of AMerican Idol.  Let us see some of what happens behind the scenes with an embedded journalist or a doucumentry producer to document what goes on and then show it ont he web in short segments.

American Idol is all about that time on the air, but the time off the air is now even more of a curiosity to the people who are fans of the show.

5.  Get rid of the contestant commercials.  Don't announce it or give it any fanfare, just do it.  They need to be concentrating on being better performers and making better music and writing their own music.

6.  The group singing performances are just embarrasing and not what AMERICA considers entertainment.  I put that in caps, because in my view it has always been a lazy way of providing entertainment, that America will put up with for only so long.

Get a concert promoter or producer toput together something to showcase the group other than the group performances.  Besides, most people record the show and fast forward through that part who have the capability.  For others that the perfect time to tend to dinner or use the rest room.

It's time to give American Idol a chance to fulfill the promise that it can fulfill and deliver to us a performer who is the total package.

* In my view that person is someone who can sing a variety of songs, both classic and original.

* American has to realize that's it's not just about being able to sing.  It's about hitting that stage and putting on a real show.  Not a Spectacle, can you say Fantasia, we need someone who is the real deal on stage and all they need is the stage and a mic.

American Idol will continue to be popular, but it has to change and one of the things that needs to change is that Simon needs to stay.  Paula and Randy need to go.  We need judges who give the contestants real pointers that they can use followed by Simon either agreeing or disagreeing and giving the contestants another option.

The whole reason American Idol needs mentors for the performers is because Paula and Randy are not mentors and Simon is not nice about what he tells the performers to do and in some cases be.

Once all of that is done, there will still be a decline in audience and eventually American Idol will disappear.  Once that happens and we look back the effect that it has had on America is easy to see and continue to be seen.

American Idol creates stars of people who have been barred from the traditional music market.  In the beginning it was needed and now it's just easy way for those who can to do.  American Idol is not just about music or songs, it's about music and songs as a form of entertainment and all about finding performers who provide that.  In that endeavor American Idol has been equal parts success and failure.

Finally it's down to the two David's and the boxing thing complete with Micheal Buffer was pretty cool, mostly, because it wasn't Ryan Seacrest. Well the show is on and I'm looking forward to David Cook emerging and proving that he is the next American Idol. David Archeuleta is no slouch and could possibly take it all.

Clive David and Andrew Lloyd Webber, my God could they have chosen some exciting mentors, please. Before the start of the competition the king of the Nokia for me is David Cook, let's see what happens when the performing starts. Two nice guys, which will finish last?

Round One - Clive's Choices

David Cook I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For – Great choice for David, he can make this his own if he does what he has done the entire competition. Great performance that really is a great start to the competition, Cook has risen to the occasion. There is more he could have done with this song, but it's a strong start.

Song Choice: 10 out of 10 Performance: 8 out of 10

David Archeuleta Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - Just as i thought, this is the perfect song for this kid and he is going to take it to the hoop and swish it. Definitely first round goes to Archeuleta, thanks to a great song choice.

Song Choice: 10 out of 10 Performance: 10 out of 10

Wow, Archeuleta came to play and that song definitely gave him the leg up this round.

Round Two – Song Contest Choices

David Cook Dream Big - This will be it, time to dream big David and go for it. Well this is definitely a patented David Cook performance and the song certainly suits him well. Let's see what he does the next round, because so far this is not his night although this song could make a nice single for his first album.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 8 out of 10

David Archeuleta In This Moment - This song is definitely a song that fits the kid and he is doing a great job. It looks like he is definitely doing his best to win on his talent and this is a great job. Like he said in the song, no one can take it from me.

Song Choice: 10 out of 10 Performance: 10 out of 10

Round Two Goes to the kid again and David Cook is on the ropes and he's down, will he rise in the third round?

Round Three – Contestant's Choice

David Cook This World I Know - David is doing what he has done all season taking a chance and showing us something new. Hopefully he will rise to the occasion and be worthy to take it all. Worthy or not he has been real this entire competition and this performance is a great performance that will take him far as he records and releases his first album. I'll be waiting. Winning American idol at this point it seems is not on his agenda and it shows.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 8 out of 10

David Archeuleta Imagine - Going back to the well and hoping that lightening will strike twice is not always a good move, but it would be hard for him to mess this up, so he could take home three rounds and the title of American Idol. Let's see.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 8 out of 10

The third round is a tie for me and this is it for American Idol for this season and I'm happy that it is over, but for now I'll be back next year and for me, MY American Idol is David Cook.

I've finally gone and done it! 

I have released my first two singles on Itunes, Amazon and wherever music is sold on the Internet, if you search using my name BARNZsongwriter my first two songs are available to be purchased, Critiqued etc.

With everything that I've had to say about the performers on American Idol, well now it's my turn.

All of the songs were written, produced & performed by me, so if you don't like them I have no one to blame, but myself.

Enjoy.

We saw this coming and now it's here.  Many have said all along it would be the two David's and well now that it's here it's all a little, well Ho Hum for the most part.

Right now the popular vote is on David A. to win and that is what the American Idol producers want, but throw in the wrinkle of Archeuleta' Dad and it throws a wrinkle into the mix.

The real rubber meets the road with the performances next week.  I'm looking forward to American Idol ending so that I can have my life back on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

One thing is certain, there will be singles and albums released by David A and David C and my money will be spent to buy the music by David C.

I've already made my choice, the choice that America makes is no longer anything I care to know.  I'll be there cheering on David C. next week, but I've already decided who my winner is regardless of rather he is declared the winner of American Idol or not.

 Here we are the top three what will happen tonight? Syesha has a good chance to shut out one of the David's and with all the stuff happening behind the scenes with David Archeleta, he could be headed home before the show begins. Then again we all want to believe that who knows so here we go.

The Judges Choices

David Archeuleta And So It goes - I love the song and i think David will butcher it and so it goes. This kid can sing and he is doing a good job, but he is so good that he is boring. All skill and no heart, David is not a bad kid, but non the less he is a kid and he just is not “it”. As Simon said, it was just good, nothing special.

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Syesha Mercado If I Ain't Got You - This song could set her up to soar with the eagles, or it could shoot her down. She is doing a good job, but it's not great and this is the kind of song that to make it your own you would lose more fans than you would earn. Good performance overall, but just okay. Yes Simon, Randy could have picked a better song.

Song Choice: 7 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

David Cook First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - David should be all over this one he has been given a challenge that I think he will rise to, but if not he can blame it on Simon. Great job by David cook that was hurt not by the choice of song by Simon, but by the arrangement and the shortening of the song. Why not let him sing the entire song?

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Round one in my book goes to no one................

The Contestants Choices

David Archeuleta With You - This is a song choice that fits David and his audience, but it's a totally stupid song. Definitely a younger vibe that he needed to try on for size and it proves to me that he is not the American idol and he needs to lose, I hate this kid. Strong words I know, but he has sealed his own fate with this song.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Syesha Mercado Fever - Bad, Bad, Bad, song choice, great for her Broadway career after Idol, but certainly won't win her any votes, but then again Broadway is still popular after all these years. Singing a sexpot type of song when you are not a sexpot is not a recommended course of action. Solid performance of a song that she never should have chosen. Simon said it all and many callers should be able to get through to her numbers.

Song Choice: 2 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

David Cook Dare You To Move - With song choice so far David and Syesha are giving the advantage to David Archeuleta. Even with a great performance David Cook is blowing what could be an amazing opportunity for him. This is a performance and a song that will leave the audience cold. Not good David.

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance: 3 out of 10

So far this round has sucked and showed that is this is the artist that they want to be there is not much there to care for from any of them.

The Producers Choices

David Archeuleta Longer - I love this song and it enhances what David has already done and he will do a great, but predictable job with no surprises. David is just not a real singer yet, but will be one day. The female fans will be dialing till their fingers fall off thinking David is in love with them.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Syesha Mercado Hit Me Up - This song proves that she could do popular songs and deal with popular music, but I'm not feeling it and I don't think the audience will care. Simon and Paula have assurred it will be a David and Syesha finale, mark my words.

Song Choice: 2 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

David Cook I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - This song choice assures that it will be hard to determine if it will be David Archeuleta or David Cook competing against Syesha, but so far the two David's cancel each other out tonight.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Well this is just not what I was looking for or looking forward to. All of the choices sucked and there is no way that the final is clear at this point. It could be a David Cook and Syesha Finale, but who knows. American Idol has finally died this season with tonight's debacle of a presentation. I'm disgusted by it.

David Cook might be down for the count as far as I can see.

And then there were four, Syesha Mercado, David Archeleta, David Cook and Jason Castro it's time to place your bets on he final two, I've already determined that the Top Two of the final four is David Cook and David Archeleta, then there is Syesha Mercado followed by Jason Castro. I predict that after the dust settles and the voting is done, Jason Castro will be history and you will have the Two Davids and Syesha remaining. This is of course before I've even for to see there performances, but I've seen them perform all these weeks and pretty much I think Jason has maxed out his appeal.

This, (Pregnant Pause), Is American Idol and the hair of Ryan Seacrest. With songs from the Rock & Roll hall of fame we should get some great performances and songs. Song selection will even more be key here and it will tell us what these four have to offer more than ever. I expect David Cook to be Amazing, David Archeleta to do more of what he's done, Syesha will be great and Jason Castro will continue to be boring.

David Cook Hungry Like The Wolf - This is a song that will not do any favors, but let's see where he takes it. This is without a doubt the worst song choice in the history of the show, not just this season, this really sucks. Of all the songs to choose this is not the best choice. Nothing to get voted off for here, and certainly no reason to vote for him either.

Song Selection: 4 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Syesha Mercado Proud Mary - Excellent song choice and also a bad song choice having heard this song a million times she will have to sparkle and shine and knock it out of the park. A solid performance for sure, not much to write home about and not ground breaking and very predictable, nothing to get her voted off here and certainly no reason to vote for her either.

Song Selection: 7 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Jason Castro I Shot The Sheriff - From the arrangement to the performance this is painful to watch him murder a classic. His performance is painful to watch and it should get him voted off. Plenty to get him voted off for here and certainly anyone who votes for him should have their phones destroyed.

Song Selection 4 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

David Archeleta Stand By Me - So far the song choice has been worst than pedestrian and nothing to write home about. Overall a boring performance with some originality, so even with BLEEP song choice his performance put the song on another level and gives if the first half of the night. That was slick to throw in some Sean Kingston... Way to go David. He will get the lions share of the votes with that performance, her certainly should at least.

Song Selection: 6 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

Of all the songs that could have been chosen, why chose these songs that we have heard a million and one times. Please people let's make something happen in the second half of the show.

David Cook Baba O-Rielly - Great song choice that if done well will erase the first performance and all will be forgiven. This guy should be in the final two and he is my American Idol, it wasn't perfect and he didn't make it his own, but solid performance.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

Syesha Mercado A Change is Gonna Come - This is the smartest song choice of the night and could ensure that Syesha is in the top three. So far I'm not impressed by her performance and would love to hate it, but so far there is nothing to hate and certainly nothing to like here. She has certainly proven that she more than Jason deserves to be there.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Jason Castro Mr. Tambourine Man - This is a strange song choice and so far just for this song choice alone Jason should be gone. Forgetting the words seals the deal he should be gone after tonight. Jason I hope you are packed, you sucked sir. The worst performances of the night so far have been from Jason and David Cook they will be the bottom two.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 3 out of 10

David Archeleta Love Me Tender - Perfect song choice for his target audience and this should get him through this week without a doubt. The little guy so far has performed so well he deserves every vote that he certainly is going to get.

Song Choice; 10 out of 10 Performance: 10 out of 10

Your bottom two are Jason Castro and David Cook, Syesha Mercado with song choice and performance may have pushed Jason or David Cook out of the competition, i for one would like to see Jason Castro go after two embarrassing performances.

After the producer induced drama of last week, we come to the week of the top 5 and the week for the songs of Neil Diamond. As a fan of Neil Diamond I'm looking forward to seeing this and dreading it.

Jason Castro Forever In Blue Jeans & September Morn - Two great songs that suit him well and hopefully he'll do them well. The first song does not suit his style and he is not doing the song justice, he is just too thin a veneer to ever be more than a one hit wonder. Not a good performance at all.

The second song was nowhere near as good as the second song, he was so boring and bland and plain vanilla, send him home America.

Song Choice: 7 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

David Cook I'm Alive & All I Really Need Is You - Giving Neil Diamond goose bumps is a great way to start. I pick him to be one of the David's in the final two. David has been consistent and even if he trips up here he is still the man to beat as is the other David. With the first song he is showing Jason Castro to be an empty shell and he made the song his own.

What a joy to hear David Cook wrap his vocal cords around a song and make it his own, this guy is a performer and worthy of not just being in the top five he is MY American Idol right now.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 8 out of 10

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 9 out of 10

Brooke White I'm A Believer & I Am I Said - Two great songs for her to choose and she can breathe life into them and make them her own, let's see. Brooke doesn't get what her strengths and how to rise above the karaoke stance she takes with each song. She definitely is on the bubble with her first song.

Brooke is really a singer that has to pick the right songs and the this song is perfect for her and she is making it her own and showing that with the right song she can shine and she deserves a chance to continue on.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

Song choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

David Archeleta Sweet Caroline & America - David is really not going to ruin his chances with either of these songs and should be here next week for sure. The actual performance is more of the same David Archeleta plain vanilla delivery with nothing new, but the same consistency that will get him through to the top two. The songs of Neil Diamond are strong and stronger than these contestants will be with them.

This song is such an anthem to the hope that America represents no singer can sing it without seeming like they are pandering to the Spirit that is America. David tried, but never rose to what the song is and he needs to be careful, just being a good singer with no charisma will kill him. Right now, tonight David Cook and Syesha Out shone him and put him to shame.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Song Choice: 6 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Syesha Mercado Hello & Thank The Lord For The Night Time - Syesha is not and will never be one of my favorites, but she has made all the right moves and performed well enough that she should be able to send Brooke or Jason home. She is making the first song her own and making herself a strong contender for then third spot behind David Cook and David Archeleta. Her talent will help her stay another week for sure.

Dated song and dated performance, but it should be enough to preserve her on the show and it should seal Jason Castro' doom as the one to go home.

Song Choice: 9 out of 10 Performance: 8 out of 10

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

The first five flew through those songs and immediately I would have a double elimination and take out Jason and Brooke so we could have a David C and David A and Syesha top three. Paula is priceless and really she is making the show interesting for me at this point.  Simon is the man, as always!

Get Jason Castro out of here and let Brooke go next week. Syesha might go, but not because of anything she's done tonight.

This is the week where the choices should be easy unless one of the final six step up their game and with all we've seen all these weeks who knows what will happen, but there are some easy choices for eviction performing tonight.

Wow, so the BLEEP band that they have is now even bigger, oh well. The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is the choice for the music, even with all the success on Broadway for him to be within ten inches of American Idol proves to me that Broadway is dying and hopefully American idol will get the job done.

Syesha Mercado One Rock And Roll Too Many - Well this is going to be fun to watch, she will overact and really over do it and Simon will have a field day. After many great performances over the weeks, she has now been exposed and is on the bubble. For me she is and is in danger of going home.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

Jason Castro Memory - For Jason to sing this song he is going to kill his chances and hopefully be eliminated. It is a popular song and it is a song that is easily butchered. His is not sucking the life out of the song, but he is definitely better than Syesha. He picked the wrong song and really did his best, I'm afraid it's not enough. Jason is on the bubble, but he may be forgiven by his fan base, but never by me.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Brooke White You Must Love Me - most of the people who sing on American Idol don't know what they are singing about and when you tell them they get it sometimes other times they don't, what will Brooke do? Brooke stopping and starting over was certainly professional and should win her points, but at this point in the game it will count against her. Great performance, but certainly not strong enough to keep her off the bubble. For once I have to agree with Paula, but it doesn't change how I feel about that performance. Thank you Simon for saying it was right for Brooke to stop and start again.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

The performances have gotten better and better and so far only Syesha is on the Bubble for me, for real, but Jason and Brooke are no where near safe.

David Archeleta Think of Me - This kid was born for Broadway week and will hit this one out of the park, then again he may just do what he's been doing and just sing well and that seems to be enough for him to skate to the final two. David singing a woman's song is really not far fetched, him enjoying all those little girls around him, that is far fetched. He did a good job and will be safe this week.

Song Choice: 6 out of 10 Performance: 8 out of 10

Carly Smithson Jesus Christ Superstar - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Andrew for making Carly make the right song choice. I think she will do well with this song. Yes, yes, yes, she is knocking this one out of the park and to have an up tempo song on the stage after weeks should ensure she will get to next week. So far she has had the performance with Balls, even though some men have performed.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 9 out of 10

David Cook Music Of The Night - He has survived by taking what is out there and making it his own and making it fly, so what song will he give wings tonight? Perfect song that will make him the one to beat which is what he is. If i were to step out of myself and compare David Cooks performance to David Archeleta, the winner and still champ is David Cook, Excellent Performance.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10  Performance: 10 out of 10

On The Bubble: Syesha Mercado, Jason Castro, Brooke White

Not On The Bubble: David Archeleta, David Cook, Carly Smithson

Most on the Bubble: Syesha Mercado

I am so glad that Idol gave us one less week of idol with the elimination of Michael Johns. This is the time of the season when the winner seems ever so clear and I just want the winner to be crowned and the show to be over. But that isn't going to happen with all the millions in the balance so here I am for another week of American Idol.

Nothing was surprising about the departure of Michael Johns he was never going to win it all or be in the top five he just didn't have that it factor. Mariah the mentor tonight, not a bad thing, not bad at all.

David Archeleta When You Believe - This kid is so annoying, but I can give him a pass, only because he is young and unspoiled, but God help the world when he grows up. I think there is much to fear kid, have you heard that Mariah is kinda crazy, FYI there kid. This kid has a good voice and can sing, but more and more every week he comes across as a one note performer with nothing special to offer. Song after song, he shows that he can sing, but he also shows that that's all there is in his tank. He has potential, but to be a star you have to bring it every week and once again he didn't bring anything different or unique to the table. Solid performance, but overall disappointing in how bland and plain it was.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Carly Smithson Without You - Carly was very emotional, because she knew that she had to go last week and she dodged the bullet with the elimination of Michael Johns. Another ballad and a great song, but how many of these ballads can we listen to before we doze off to sleep. Carly, you have a beautiful voice and you sing well and will continue to sing well, but your song choice and performances are just not up to snuff I'm afraid. You and David are suffering from the same disease. Nothing different or unique about either of you and no I am not ignoring that horrible tattoo except that it's amazing for someone with such an obvious tattoo to come across as so boring and mundane.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Syesha Mercado Vanishing - Well song choice is important and so many people at this point would like for her to vanish, let's hope her performance will make that impossible. I fall into the group that was wishes she would disappear, but lately her performances have made her a dark horse to be in the top two. Sadly the song is going to do her in more than her performance, but this was not a great song choice and she did herself no favors. She wasn't bad, but she wasn't good, she was just there and that's not enough I'm afraid.

Song Choice: 2 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

Syesha is on the bubble with song choice and performance. None of these three did anything to make me jump out of my seat so any of these three could go and i wouldn't care.

Brooke White Hero - I love this song, but it's just more of what Brooke has been doing and even if she does a great job she will still be headed to the bottom three. As she starts off this performance is everything i thought it could be and I don't see it getting any better, but let's see if she proves me wrong. I'm impressed that she chose to sing without the band, that is gutsy and adds a dimension to her performance that sadly won't save her. She is bottom three and my choice to go home. Unless someone else beats her to the door. Randy, she did not write the song, she just butchered it really well.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

Kristy Lee Cook Forever - Mariah is a very talented lier, Kristy gave her goose bumps, yeah right, turn the heat back up cause it definitely wasn't your singing. Well perhaps a miracle has occurred. Her performance is consistent and less suck y than her previous performances, the songs leaves much to be desired and just might leave Kristy in the bottom three. Her performance will not put her in the bottom three, but song choice might, her performance was very good indeed. Her fan base is growing and that performance will add to it.

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance 4 out of 10

David Cook Always Be My Baby - Predictable, but great move by David to solidify his place as the front runner and one to beat on this show. This song could have made him sound like the biggest wimp on the planet and for some it is mission accomplished, but as i listen he really proves that he's got the chops and vision to win American Idol and take advantage of the opportunity that presents. Outstanding best performance of the night. Simon said it all and this is the guy to beat on this show.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

Out of these three we now have our full complement of the bottom three and the performance of David Cook put all the performances before his in Perspective, David is the man to beat and Kristy and Brooke proved with their performances they are just standing in his way and need to go home.

Jason Castro I Don't Want To Cry - This kid can sing and is definitely talented, but just not an American Idol and no matter how well he does he will be eliminated eventually, but it won't be tonight. He was nothing special, but he did not offend and didn't break the rules of getting the little girls to vote, he picked the right song and performed it well.

Song Choice: 6 out of 10 Performance 6 out of 10

On The Bubble: Syesha Mercado, Brooke White, Kristy Lee Cook

Not On The Bubble: David Archeleta, David Cook, Jason Castro

Most on the Bubble: Brooke White

Right or wrong this is what the current political process seems to be pointing to.  At least that is the way I see it.

In my personal estimation a Hillary/Obama or an Obama/Hillary ticket is a winning ticket.  I can't see Hillary or Obama alone beating McCain.

Looking at it in the traditional sense every good man has a good woman behind him and every good woman has a good man behind her.  So it makes sense.

Sure we would like to think that Obama or Hillary alone could win over McCain, but right now that is as much a pipe dream as the results we wanted from the last two elections.

For you people who profess to be smarter than me and so much in the know, what's so wrong with a Hillary Obama ticket?

We are in the final home run to picking a new American Idol, but this is the time for Idol to give back, or is it the time for us to give up some of our cash to help those less fortunate than ourselves. I guess it's both and the best part is that on Larry King the judges said that thankfully this year someone will be going home as Idol gives back so that we will be able to gain from Idol giving back.

I see, so the show is three nights this week, so that means we will get to see the tears of another sheep led to slaughter on Thursday instead of Wednesday. Inspirational Songs sounds good to me.

Michael Johns Dream On - I think he should do well with this song, but let's see. Never thought of this as a hard song to sing, but then again the original artist always make songs seems easy. Michael picked the wrong song and is not impressive at all with this one, next. Randy really let him have it and everything he said was valid and of course Paula has to disagree. Simon siding with Randy at the right time and putting the seal on what Randy said. Perfection! Ryan just tries so hard, but what he says just doesn't make sense most of the time, stick to the script pretty boy!

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

Syesha Mercado I Believe - She needs to really work it out this week, let's see. Well picking a Fantasia song is the first nail in her coffin, that is just not that great a song. She isn't awful, but she is not shining like a star. Okay she is rising to the occasion as the song goes on and I believe that she's done enough to stay another week. Good Job Syesha, I don't like you, but I like what you did tonight. Randy is right on the money, she had no connection to the song of her own and did not sing it in her own voice. She did a karaoke version of the song and certainly did not make it her own Paula. Sigh. Simon of course is on the money and I love when he says, However. Simon is right, who are you Syesha?

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Jason Castro Somewhere Over The Rainbow - This kid has picked the perfect version of this song for him to sing. He definitely is making an impression this week. Nice quiet unimpressive performance that will not make anyone forget the original version of this song, in fact I wish he had not sullied this song with his run of the mill vocal styling. He really tries, but is so off the mark on this song I want him to go home, but his fan base will keep him around another week. Randy is full of it and Paula is right there with him, there was nothing definitive about what he did in my view. Simon, you are better than me, I'll lower my hat to your judgment, but I wasn't loving it.

Song Choice: 10 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

Out of this first three I vote for Michael Johns to be on the bubble, but let's see.

Kristy Lee Cook Anyway - Well sticking to singing Country is the best thing for her to do, but having heard this song i don't think she can do it justice. She starts off sounding like she is trying to sound like the original vocalist. She appears to have a connection to this song and is doing a pretty good job, she has rose to the level of this song. I have to admit, she's saved her skin this week. Randy, keeping it real and right on the money. Paula of course going overboard as always, but right this time. Simon has nothing to say, but of course he will continue and definitely nailed it. Looked like a star? Perhaps, but we will see.

Song Choice: 7 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

David Cook Innocent - This kid has a world of good will built up over the weeks and can't do wrong it seems, let's see what happens. Weak start, but he picks it up and brings the song close to his chest and his range and he takes it to a good place, not a great place, he started off weak and never overcame. He is used to taking chances and it did not pay off with this song. Randy, Dawg, You and i are on the same page here. Paula is so much the mirror of the audience, no matter how lackluster his performance was tonight, she is still going to praise him for his past performances. Simon again is dishing out the medicine and even if he isn't completely on the money he is right and Paula and the audience need to let him speak. Hopefully next week he will give us the David Cook we have grown to love.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Carly Smithson Show Must Go On - Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad song choice! Oh my God she can sing the song, but why? She is not doing a bad song, but her voice is emotionless. She is singing a song that cries and screams for emotion and she is singing the song like a robot, even when she attempts emotion it comes out as a pitiful scream, or worst the squeak of a mouse about to be caught in a trap. This could be the week that she gets eliminated. Sorry to say it and as hard as it is to believe she just did not do that song justice. When even Paula found her performance lacking and a lack of engagement with the material, for once Paula is right for a change. Thank you Simon for pointing out her crappy song choice. Great job Simon as always. I didn't sense the Anger, but I sense you predicting she is in trouble to be a correct declaration.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 3 out of 10

Out of this three Carly is definitely on the bubble and her anger might just burst it after hearing what the judges had to say.

David Archeleta Angels - I always hate these moments in the show when Ryan interviews the contestants. There is a certain something that David has and I see it as potential, the potential to be a star in just about every sense of the word, but as i watch him week over week, i can see that he is not done yet and not ready. Potentially he will win it all, but he doesn't deserve it and this performance is really more potential spilled on the stage, but overall song choice and the performance are just so, so. He tried, but he's just not ready to be a star yet. I'm glad Randy appreciated it and that Paula could join right on in. Simon is no exception, I think he just liked the song, he really was great in nitpicking the performance, I loved it.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Brooke White You've Got A Friend - This song could kill her chances, it is a great song, but the dynamic range of the song gives you few places to go and she has proven over the weeks that she does not have the imagination or skill to take a song like this to a Whole, Nother, Level, to quote a Mad TV character. She had chances to shine and make this song her own, but she is just not doing it. Boring and uninspired performance that just lie there, hopefully the judges will kick it a little. Randy is right, not mad, mostly because you are asleep. Paula is pretty much totally off the mark with that one. Simon said it better than I ever could have.

Not on the bubble tonight: Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado,

On The Bubble: Michael Johns, Carly Smithson,

Most On The Bubble: Carly Smithson, Brooke White, Michael Johns

Brooke White Jolene - Perfect song for her, but it's got a quiet feel and rhythm to it and she'll do well with this song. So far she is weak with it and it might not have been the best song for her. Overall a boring performance. Seacrest Report: Thankfully Ryan did not put his two cents in this time, he just let it go, good job Ryan.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

David Cook Little Sparrow - Online wizard and smart guy to use the web and really research your songs and what you're doing. Doing his own arrangement and taking his own future in his hands is the smart and right thing to do at this level of the show. I don't know this song, but he is doing a great job with it. I like David, the song is another thing. Seacrest Report: Ryan is just rolling through the show and not showing his lack of skill.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

Ramiele Malubay Do I Ever Cross Your Mind - She needs to break out and really get into the song or even the Filippa audience won't be able to help her. So far she is just doing her normal Karaoke singing and not really taking ownership of the song, this little girl doesn't have it. she'll grow into that voice, but for now, she is on the bubble. Seacrest Report: Interviewing her and just moving along not rocking the boat, this is a Ryan Annoyance free night so far.

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance: 2 out of 10

Out of the three performances so far Ramiele is on the bubble and the other two should be safe, but Brooke was close to bubble worthy tonight.

Jason Castro Traveling Through - This kid is just too laid back and isn't long for the show. He is just a big bag of nothing and pretty boring overall. He brings nothing to the table, but a spoon and fork and a hunger to feed, but nothing more. Seacrest Report: Ryan is just not that good, but with the scripted stuff at least he doesn't get on my nerves as much, keep it up Ryan.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 3 out of 10

Carly Smithson Here You Come Again - Up tempo song slowed down again. Please people just sing the song. Carly you are a good singer, but come on, just sing the song the way it was done before, sure you are doing a great job, but I wish you would just sing it faster. Seacrest Report: Ryan has finally stepped out and is asking questions of Simon and this is normally where the show goes off the track. Not this time.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

David Archeleta Smokey Mountain Memories - This song sucks and his performance while good and good enough to keep him in the competition his song choice is weak. It was a safe performance of a safe song. Seacrest Report: Ryan is sticking to the script tonight, not much to report here.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Kristy Lee Cook Coat of Many Colors - She really needs to go this week, but this song is a good one for her. She did a good job and this is one of her best performances, won't blow any socks off, but it will get the job done. Seacrest Report: Once again sticking with the script, nothing to see here.

Song Choice; 6 out of 10 Performance 6 out of 10

Syesha Mercado I Will Always Love You - Excellent song choice if she is to stay in the competition and if her performance isn't spot on she will deserve to go home. I love the way she is mixing the versions of the song and making it her own that way. She definitely is in the competition and is bringing it home with a great performance of a great song. Seacrest Report: Sticking to the script Ryan isn't giving me much to pick on here.

Song Choice; 8 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

Michael Johns It's All Wrong, But It's All Right - Like the song and like the performance, but Michael has maxed out with what he is capable of doing on this show. His time to go home, can't come quick enough for me. Seacrest Report: It's a disappointment that they were running late or else I'm sure Seacrest would have stepped in it, but he breezed through tonight without much to gripe about.

Song Choice: 6 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Not on the bubble tonight: David, Brooke, Carly

On The Bubble: Ramiele, Jason,

Most On The Bubble: Ramiele, Jason,

 It's top ten time and all I can say is that this is a top ten that has me just wondering how we got to this place, but okay here we go. Ryan's hair looks funny. Till Death stars in the front, make sure you catch that on camera. The year they were born is the theme and that's pretty rich.

Ramiele Malubay Alone - No surprise that she is a Karaoke Kid, she still sings like the karaoke kid. This song is a good and bad choice for her, because I feel that she won't rise to the occasion, but that remains to be seen. She needs to go home, but she has too much support from the Fillipa community. She is literally screaming at the top of her lungs. I don't care how sick she is and stop telling me she is sick. Sing or stay off the stage. Jackson Report: Right on the money Mister Jackson. No, he is not being too harsh, he is right on the money. Simon again is on the money, but she will only get by this week because of her cultural support.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Jason Castro Fragile - Another 1987 kid, what treat for us. This kid is annoying, he's lucky women like him. Parents who get kids toys that make noise need to be executed on the spot. The audience clapping is so off they just need to stop. His performance is pretty boring, man they need to stop clapping. This is not as bad as the first performance, but not that much better it was a muddy mess. Jackson Report: Alright nice and pleasant, but nothing special, sorta like your review Randy.

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Syesha Mercado If I Were Your Woman - 1987 again, can we get away from this year and girl put away that baby cry, don't even like when kids do it. Not cute. This chick takes airhead to a whole new level. She is starting off promising, what happened to this woman she is proving she can sing. Beautiful, not flawless, but damned close, this girl is singing for her life and it shows. Chills and thrills time with Syesha. Jackson Report:  Randy is on the money this is her best performance and he has every right to be shocked two weeks in a row she has stepped up.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance 9 out of 10

Jason and Ramiele so far are Bubble worthy and Syesha sailed through her performance, definitely stepped up her game.

Chikezie Eze If Only For One Night - He is a good performer, but his personality leaves much to be desired, I just don't like him. I respect his talent, but he is not as good as he thinks he is. His song selection has been bad, but his performances have saved him. After a weak start we are in his round house, bargain basement interpretations of Luther. Dude you ain't Luther and this performance is a step in the wrong direction. Song selection and performance are both off the mark tonight. Chikezie needs to go home, his attitude and talking back might put him on the bubble. Jackson Report: On the money Randy, Old School and a step in the wrong direction boring and uninspired. Randy and Simon got it right.

Song Selection: 5 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Brooke White Every Breath You Take - Singing the Police can turn into disaster or she will shine, let's see. She is the spitting image of her mother, two beautiful ladies. Brooke we have seen this before you have done this, give us more. Good, but will it be good enough. This is your standard run of the mill performance from Brooke. Her interpretation of the song is off as well, she just sang it, she never felt it. Jackson Report:  Interesting song choice is an understatement. Right on the money again Mr. Jackson.

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Michael Johns We Are The Champions - 1978 cool we finally get to move out of 1987. The back stories are all a bit tiring at this point. Bad song choice right off the bat, not a good song for him to choose, it is a little better now, but it's all a little Karaoke at the moment, not feeling Michael at this moment, the vocals are all over the place. Folks you are not looking at a champion, this song has exposed him as just not all that. Hopefully not one will tell me that he's sick too. Jackson Report: Randy was influenced by the reaction of the audience and he lied.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

All of the performances of this three are just not that good, but my bubble choices are in the first batch of three. Syesha had a better performance and more memorable performance than Michael.

Carly Smithson Total Eclipse Of The Heart - 1983, back to the eighties and bad song choice or obscure song choice and the whole back story is annoying. All of them are, give us less back story and a faster show. Get on with it already! This song is right in her range and ability, she will either rise to it or fall. The backup singer is a better vocalist than she is. Very karaoke and disappointing performance. I know you can sing, now thrill me, that performance never rose to the level of the potential.   Jackson Report: Right on the money Randy, bad song choice and bad ending. Not a great performance. “The run at the end was not in tune Paula” Randy is stepping up his game and is getting it right.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

David Archeleta You're The Voice - 1990, cool, the audience is just totally annoying, let's see what he brings to the table. Controlled and good performance totally forgettable song, not feeling it. I know this song and I think he is doing a good job with a song that aims to be more than the sum of it's parts. Jackson Report: Check it out strange song choice indeed and he can sing, but overall a safe song choice.

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance 7 out of 10

Kristy Lee Cook God Bless The USA - 1984, Okay, will she blow our socks off or not? Let's all see. Worst song choice ever. She better have flags flying out of her socks to win me over. So far she is doing what you would expect. Boring uninspired performance of a song that should be uplifting and inspiring. She just is not that good and should not be here and this insipid performance has put her on the bubble again. There is no doubt she loves this land and that she is on the bubble for that step below a pageant performance. Jackson Report: Randy lied and I don't get why.

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance: 3 out of 10

Of this batch of three the only one on the bubble is Kristy Lee Cook, she may have the judges fooled, but the people will not be fooled. She may stay on for an extra week, but it won't be because she performed well. The judges are just giving the people calling in a reason to believe a vote for Kristy is not a bad one.

David Cook Billie Jean - 1982 David is fast becoming my favorite of the competition. Outstanding song choice and totally unexpected, this guy has once again with song choice an performance showed that he is the real deal and he is taking it to the hoop swish two points for the home team outstanding. This kid is a star! Jackson Report: Most original and most bold and Randy speaks the truth he stepped up his game on all fronts and took it to the hoop.

Song Choice: 10 out of 10 Performance: 11 out of 10

On the Bubble:  Kristy. Ramiele, Jason, Chikezie,

When I hear President Bush connment on and defend the war in Iraq all lI can think is that when he is in hell and the devil is playing golf with his private parts he'll finally realize he was so wrong to go into Iraq and never should have plunged us into that hell based on a pack of lies!

For him to defend an action based on lies that has cost three thousand American lives, so far,  is  treasonous and a most foul crime. Ten years from now when we look back history will prove he is in the ranks and the likes of Hitler, a dumb Hitler, but in my eyes, just as evil.  Okay Hitler is worst than George Bush, but I over state my case to indicate the level of anger I have for his comments about the war. 

Ten years from now when we are still in Iraq and he is asked the same question I'm sure his reply will be the same.  Ten years from now when Bush still defends his evil lie based action, that by then would have cost even more American lives, he will be proven to be one of our most evil and delusional presidents.

Last week I did okay, but who could see the David Hernandez ouster, except for the producers, which I think is the reason why he is gone. He still had a bit of the public sympathy on his side. Rather unnerving that they want to continue to abuse the Beatles songs this week, but oh well.

Amanda Overmeyer Back In The USSR - I like her and I'm hoping for the best. The song choice is rather weak, but if she can pump it up she'll do well. So far it's pretty easy duty for her and a rather predictable performance. Paula Report: She seems coherent, but of course starts off with adding nothing, but love to the show.

Song Choice: 7 out of 10 Performance: 6 out of 10

Kristy Lee Cook - I don't like her, just based on her performances so far if she can raise her game she can stay if not she should just go home happy for it to finally be over. It started off well and she is in good voice, but as the song goes on she is getting worse and worse. She needs to go this week, this is embarrassing. Paula Report: Paula added a little to the mix, by echoing Randy. Classic Paula.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10

David Archeleta The Long And Winding Road - Easy song to sing and a paint by the numbers performance, not much to write home about here, but you got to admit that he is trying and trying hard. Paula Report: Paula Report: She is such a un-necessary butt kisser of the highest caliber.

Song Choice: 6 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Michael Johns A Day In The Life - He picked the wrong song on the face of it when you consider how great a song this is. Great performance and the arrangement worked for me. He did a good job, but it still was not the best song to butcher. Paula Report: Paula really did say alot, but did she say anything at all. Did she like it or hate it?

Song Choice: 4 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

Brooke White - This song is deceptively simple and if done well it is always a winner, if not done well it is always obvious. So far she is doing well, but not bringing anything to the song at all. This is so far her worst performance since she has been on the show. Not a good performance, weak and predictable. Paula Report: Paula is on the money here and says it in her own unique way.

Song Choice: 3 out of 10 Performance: 5 out of 10

David Cook Day Tripper - The guy has a voice you got to admit that and he is singing the heck out of these songs. I love this performance! He is showing them how to treat a Beatles song. Great performance. Paula Report: Paula is on the money and really stating the obvious he could release that tomorrow.

Song Choice: 10 out of 10 Performance: 10 out of 10

Simon winds up Paula and she just spins all over the place and I love every minute of it.

Carly Smithson Black Bird - The song choice is a very dangerous one that can fly and soar or crash and burn. She is doing well with the song and proving that she can sing and sing well from the slow soft moments to the soaring moments. The audience is annoying, but she is doing well. Great performance. Controlled, but kinda predictable to me. Paula Report: is on the money about the tone of her voice, but she is really speaking in circles. She was finished after her first comment.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 Performance: 7 out of 10

Jason Castro Michelle - From the braids to song choice he is pretentious and wants to be more than he is. This song choice is a perfect example, it is not all that hard to sing and really is so deceptively simple like most of the Beatles songs. Here we go. All in all a predictable and quiet performance that really didn't do it for me. Paula Report: It's a singing competition Paula! Just say you don't like it and let it go, you talk too much and say nothing.

Song Choice: 6 out of 10 performance: 5 out of 10

Syesha Mercado Yesterday - She just needs to be gon and out of here, she is not that good. If she doesn't do this song well, she should be sent home immediately. This song is as close to sacred as a song can get. She did a great job and there is not a lot to say the song said it. This is the first time I've liked her performance. Paula Report: Shut up Paula, you really didn't need to say a word, your words meant nothing and added nothing.  This is the best performance she has had, period and you now pick this time to be critical.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 8 out of 10

Chikezie Eze I Just Seen A Face - His first week was fantastic, what can he do now? He has much to live up to and hopefully he will dress better. Way to make an audience work by picking another song that is obscure. Sure it worked for you last week and this week you are doing well and showing that your voice is perfect for this song and you are doing a fantastic job, even the cheesy harmonica. Great performance. Despite your arrogance and attitude you are talented. Even if the performance is very much like the performance last week. Paula Report: Paula is right on the money right here, but someone needs to teach her that brevity can be her friend.

Song Choice: 5 out of 10 performance: 9 out of 10

Ramiele Malubay I Shoulda Known Better - She is a cutie and she is definitely stuck and she is fantastic to look at and has the talent, will she come into her own tonight. Bad start, she can't go anywhere but up after that start. She is not doing well tonight this is a mess of a performance that could have and should have been better. Paula Report: Paula, his performance was no where or in any way better than last week, it's just slightly better.

Song Choice: 8 out of 10 Performance: 4 out of 10 (Karaoke performance at best.)

Not on the bubble tonight: Chikezie Eze, Syesha Mercado, Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, David Cook,

On The Bubble: Ramiele, Brooke, David Archeleta, Kristy Lee Cooke, Michael Johns

Most On The Bubble: Ramiele, Kristy, Brooke & Michael.