Idol: Rank ‘Em 1-to-10
1) David Cook
2) Michael Johns
3) Syesha Mercado
4) Brooke White
5) Kristy Lee Cook
6) Jason Castro
7) David Archuleta
8 ) Carly Smithson
9) Ramiele Malubay
10) Chikezie
While last week we saw mostly poor-to-mediocre performances, this week was saw some fantastic ones. David Cook was brilliant, and that’s coming from someone who hasn’t really loved him in the past. Incredible. Also, Michael Johns and Syesha Mercado were fantastic. Syesha can really carve out a front position if she continues with performances like that. Even Kristy Lee Cook’s performance was pretty dang good. It was nice to see her break out, though I don’t think it will last very long. Brooke is always good and this week was no exception. The rest were pretty boring. David Archuleta’s age is starting to show, he’s just kind of a goofy teen that doesn’t really know what’s going on. I mean, seriously, compare him to David Cook or Brooke White, they’re on a completely different level of awareness and professionalism. And it’s Chikezie’s time to go.
For those not familiar with it, David Cook was doing this version of Billie Jean.
Comment by Tim J. — March 26, 2008 @ 7:18 am
David Cook — I couldn’t believe it when the judges called him “original” and “bold.” Maybe he is for American Idol, but not in any other type of reality. His performance was strong, but it didn’t blow me away and it certainly wasn’t original.
Michael Johns — I thought he sang fine. Again, didn’t blow me away. The number one rule of American Idol: Don’t do Whitney or Queen. All I hear the entire time is the original vocalist, and it ruins it.
Syesha Mercado — She finally actually sounded good. If she hadn’t I think she would be going home this week for sure.
Brooke White — Still my favorite. Her voice is so unique. I ended up wanting to hear her do “King of Pain” and “Wrapped Around Your Finger” and “Synchronicity,” too.
Kristy Lee Cook — I couldn’t believe Simon loved it. The song is so hokey and cheesy! She’s really smart to just dive head first into the redneck vote, though.
Jason Castro — I liked his performance, but he’s my kind of thing.
David Archuleta — He did look a little dorky but I didn’t think the song was as horrible as the judges said.
Carly Smithson — She finally sang something that I thought was good. I usually don’t quite like her voice but it suited this song well. BTW, did you know “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was written by the same guy who does a lot of Meatloaf stuff? The song makes sense now, doesn’t it.
Ramiele Malubay — Still no personality.
Chikezie — Good voice but I didn’t know the song and didn’t really care about it either way.
I think Syesha had the biggest bump this week.
Comment by Susan M — March 26, 2008 @ 8:36 am
Susan,
I must be missing something — have you heard that David Cook arrangement of Billie Jean elsewhere? I loved it and thought it was a very creative and original arrangement.
Comment by Geoff J — March 26, 2008 @ 9:58 am
See Tim’s comment #1.
Comment by Susan M — March 26, 2008 @ 10:06 am
I’d go into details, but I recap the show on my own blog every week.
Susan, I mentioned this over at Flip Flop Mama’s blog, but I didn’t realize David Cook’s arrangement was not original! Now I feel dumb at my lack of pop knowledge. Ah, well. It was bound to happen, what with my classical background.
Rusty-
Here’s my ranking:
1- Michael Johns
2- David Cook
3- Brooke White
4- David Archuleta
5- Jason Castro
6- Sayesha Mercado
7- Carly Smithson
8- Chikizie
9- Kristy Lee Cook
10-Ramiele Malubay
Of course, this ranking is not just from last night (although it has a lot to do with it). I find that I can’t help but bring in their past performances when I’m ranking them.
Comment by cheryl — March 26, 2008 @ 10:41 am
Doh! That makes Cook’s deal much less impressive (even though the arrangements weren’t completely the same they general idea was clearly lifted from Cornell…)
Comment by Geoff J — March 26, 2008 @ 10:49 am
Ryan introduced it as Cornell’s version of the song.
I’m not sure that Cornell has released a recording of it. It may be just a live youtube/AOL video. So don’t feel bad if you didn’t catch it.
Nice to see you commenting here Cheryl.
Comment by Susan M — March 26, 2008 @ 11:02 am
The problem for Johns is that he can’t do Queen every week.
Comment by CWeingarten — March 26, 2008 @ 11:08 am
I doubt there are that many people who are aware of the Cornell version. But it always kills me when a contestant will perform a remake of an old song and the judges are completely unaware it’s a remake.
Comment by Tim J. — March 26, 2008 @ 11:09 am
Especially when Seacrest introduces it as a newer version!
I wish Johns wouldn’t do Queen every week. Do some INXS or the Cult or something!
Comment by Susan M — March 26, 2008 @ 11:19 am
He did Simple Minds in the Top 24 that I liked a lot.
Ooh, see…I missed that Ryan introduced it as the newer version. Maybe the judges are just used to ignoring Seacrest now?
Comment by cheryl — March 26, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Oh, and thanks, Susan.
Comment by cheryl — March 26, 2008 @ 11:26 am
1-2) David Cook & Michael Johns
Syesha
3) Brooke White
4) Jason Castro
5) Carly Smithson (minus the glory note)
6) Ramiele Malubay
7) David Archuleta
9) Kristy Lee “I will sing a very bad manipulation song to stay in” Cook
10) Chikezie
Comment by gabby — March 26, 2008 @ 11:30 am
You are so right-on about Kristy Lee, Gabby. Sooo cheesy.
Comment by Susan M — March 26, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
The song is cheesy, but her performance was pretty good. You have to admit that.
Comment by Rusty — March 26, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
I would admit it if I hadn’t fast forwarded over her the second I could smell her coming. I stopped long enough to know that Simon agreed that it was a manipulation song choice and nothing more!
Comment by gabby — March 26, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
If you compare Kristy to herself, then yes, it was dang good! But only if you pretend she sang the middle runs in tune, because ouch! that hurt.
Comment by cheryl — March 26, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Is anyone else creeped out by Syesha’s baby cry? It makes me really uncomfortable to even listen to it, it’s embarrassing.
Comment by Rusty — March 26, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
I actually fast forward through everything except for the performances and Randy and Simon’s comments… (I can’t stand Paula’s BS any more). That explains me missing Cornell getting credit at least.
Comment by Geoff J — March 26, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
It’s been seasons since I started fast forwarding Paula. I just can’t take her. Esp. in those gloves last night. C’Mon!
Comment by gabby — March 26, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
Oh, you’re really missing out if you’re skipping Paula. Those gloves were one of my favorite things all season.
The baby cry was very uncomfortable and embarrassing.
I loved Jason’s answer when Ryan asked him if he was in it to win it. He practically just shrugged.
I think a lot of contestants (like Amanda) are in it for the exposure and not necessarily to win it.
Comment by Susan M — March 26, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
For sure! It’s too hard to win it. If you get the exposure and sign your own contract (barring any American Idol strings attached), then you could be just as successful and get more sleep.
Sayesha’s baby cry is freak-city.
Paula has annoyed me for years, too, but I can’t skip her for some reason. It’s like watching a train wreck…plus, I need continual proof that she’s idiotic…
Comment by cheryl — March 26, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
I got that proof last night w/o needing to listen to her - I just got a shot of those gloves and that’s enough proof for awhile!
Comment by gabby — March 26, 2008 @ 4:58 pm
I skipped AI this week. What the contestants did to the Beatles is almost unforgivable.
Comment by danithew — March 27, 2008 @ 5:43 am
Agree 100% Danithew.
Comment by MCQ — March 27, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
the Chris Cornell version is on his Carry On album. I actually like David Cook’s better. Thought it was fab.
Glad I’m not the only one skipping Paula
danithew - I totally agree too.
Comment by Rebecca — March 31, 2008 @ 6:49 am
1. David Archuleta (by far!)
2. Michael Johns
3. Carly Smithson
4. Brooke White
5. Syesha Mercado
6. I have to say Jason (who cares about his last name)
7. Ramielle Maulbay
8. Chikezie
9. David Cook (I should put him @ the bottom because he is David Archuleta’s enemy)
10. Kristy Lee Cook (she has no chance!)
Comment by David Archuleta lover — April 6, 2008 @ 9:18 am
“David Archuleta’s enemy”
Huh? What did I miss on that front?
Comment by Geoff J — April 6, 2008 @ 11:05 pm