Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #5

13 Fav Performances from AI7

• 13 - Love Is A Battlefield - Brooke White

  
  



• 12 - Eleanor Rigby - David Cook

  
  



• 11 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - David Cook

  
  



• 10 - In My Life - Ramiele Maluby

  
  



• 9 - Hallelujah - Jason Castro

  
  



• 8 - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - David Archuleta

  
  



• 7 - Let It Be - Brooke White

  
  



• 6 - Hello - David Cook

  
  



• 5 - Imagine - David Archuleta

  
  



• 4 - Billy Jean - David Cook

  
  



• 3 - Come Together - Carly Smithson

  
  



• 2 - Always Be My Baby - David Cook

  
  



• 1 - The World I Know - David Cook

  
  

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Cookie Takes It All

Woo Hoo! My guy took the title! This is the first time that the contestant I picked in the beginning as my personal fav has taken the title! I am sooooooo happy!!!!!!!! I am even tolerating the magic rainbow skittles song Cook has to sing, he almost makes it sound like something I would want to listen to on a regular basis.
Now, I just have to find something to entertain myself until the next season of American Idol.

David vs. David

So, I wish I had been wrong about this show; but I wasn't. The worst part is that it was so skewed to one side that I'm afraid people didn't hear what was really offered.

Clive's Choice:
David Cook sang "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2. It was really pretty and I love when he strips a song down to the essentials. I am always surprised by his takes on familiar songs and I like being surprised.
David Archuleta sang "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" by Elton John. This has to be one of the most over used songs on American Idol and while David A. sang it well I already have a song on my computer that sounds just like it... only better really.

Songwriter's Contest:
In a strange twist they have let the contestant's pick from the top 10 vote getters but not the top vote getter, that is supposedly being save for tomorrow night. Oh Joy!
David Cook sang "Dream Big" by Emily Shackelton and it was okay. It proves that he could sing my Great Grandmother's sugar cookie recipe to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and I would be able to at least say he sang it well and attempted to make it interesting.
David Archuleta sang "In This Moment" by Ryan Gillmore and it was the longest song of my life. The lyrics to this song are just so cheesy and bordering on arrogant that it was hard to listen to. Add to it that the dang thing never went anywhere it just kept droning to the finish line and one has to wonder what Archie saw in it.

Contestant's Choice:
David Cook sang "The World I Know" by Collective Soul and I was floored. I don't know that other's heard it but I couldn't have stopped myself from loving it had I tried. Once again Cookie about the door to his soul and invited us all inside. I know that judge's wanted rocked out and all but what we got was so much better.
David Archulet sang "Imagine" by John Lennon and all I could say was, "Hey, where have I heard that before?" I think he has a pretty voice but he has no real connection with what he is singing and I am almost always left wanting.

So my winner tonight is David Cook and honestly no matter how the votes turn out tomorrow night I believe that it will be David C. not David A. who goes on to long term greatness.

Tabbikat's Thursday 13 #4

13 Favorite American Idol Contestants

Here are my top 13 American Idol contestants from seasons 1-7...

• 13 - Kellie Pickler - Even when I don't like her music, I like Kellie because she doesn't take herself too seriously and always seems to light up the room.


• 12 - Katharine McPhee - She has a beautiful voice and always looks good on stage.


• 11 - Melinda Dolittle - I love her humble nature, big voice, and the ability to tell a story with a song.


• 10 - Diana DeGarmo - Little girl, big voice, never say die spirit, what's not to love.


• 9 - Clay Aiken - He was the first guy I liked on AI and was definately my choice to win season 2.


• 8 - Jennifer Hudson - She always performed well on the show, despite taking a beating from the judges and the voters. I think she has really had the last laugh.


• 7 - Brooke White - Her stage presence leaves something to be desired but if I am just listening to her, I love it.


• 6 - Elliott Yamin - Great voice and a fantastic attitude, he was my second pick for winner in seasn 5.


• 5 - Jordin Sparks - It took sometime for Jordin to grow on me, but her beautiful voice and performing skills won me over.


• 4 - Kelly Clarkson - I thought Kelly was okay on AI, but love her now. I know some are turned off by the darker side, but let's get real, which one of us is light and sunshine all the time.


• 3 - Bo Bice - Bo had that gritty southern charm on stage and he pushed AI to new levels, I am happy to see that he has come out with an album more representative of who he is and what he does, than his AI release was.


• 2 - Chris Daughtry - My #1 choice in season 5 I was devastated when he left in the #4 position. Of course, he is another one that proves you don't need to finish anywhere near #1 to make Idol work for you.


• 1 - David Cook - I like David as much for his pre-Idol music as I do for his Idol performances. I could care less where he gets his arrangements, at least he is smart enough to go looking for what works for him instead of settling for what is expected. Add that he is a self-proclaimed "word nerd" and to me you've got the whole package.

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So Long Syesha

Well you knew it was going to happen, the David vs. David finale has been pimped for far too long to allow Syesha any chance of sneaking in.

I wish I could say that I was looking forward to next week, but I am truly unhappy that this season has come to a close so quickly. I am also suspect that the finale has been overhyped and will never live up to the standards that have been set.

Prove me wrong AI. TTFN

The Top 3

Okay, this night was not as fantastic as it has been in past seasons. The Judges choices turned out to be the best of the night and the contestant's choices the worst.

Judges Choice:
David A. sang "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel. I wasn't thrilled that Paula picked this for him but he does a pleasant, note perfect, yet slightly boring performance. It as standard DA all the way.
Syesha sang "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys. I wanted to slap Randy for choosing this but was pleased that she for the most part stayed out of her screech zone, it was a good performance.
David C. sang "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. I think Simon has it bad for this song but Cookie owned it and dedicated it to his Mom! Got to love a guy who loves his mother.

Contestant's Choice:
David A. sang "With You" by Chris Brown and it was rough at the start, to overdone at the end and poorly danced (if that's what that was)throughout.
Syesha sang "Fever" by Peggy Lee and I think that the only big problem was that it looked a little desperate with the way short dress and the chair. She needed to focus more on delivering the big vocal.
David C. sang "Dare You To Move" by Switchfoot and I'm just a little sad that he didn't do the Collective Soul number. But I think that as far as being a middle song goes it was a smart choice in that it didn't stretch him too far.

Producer's Choice:
Okay the producer's obviously need to get a grip. Their song choices sucked and did nothing for any of the contestants.
David A. sang "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg and it was a full on, overblown Archuleta ballad. Solid but boring.
Syesha sang "Hit Me Up" by Gia Farrell and I know this song because my 5 year old is a big Happy Feet fan. Would I have ever chosen this for her to sing, no. She puts alot into the dance and gives some decent vocals. It was okay.
David C. sang "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" and it was good a solid vocal performance. If I am judging him on just each performance and in comparison to the others he is head and shoulders above the competition even if he wasn't head and shoulders above his personal best. Go Cookie!

My Order: David Cook, Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta

Farwell to Jason

Wow, am I relieved with the outcome of this one. If Jason had stayed then someone who was truly invested in this competition would have been outed and that would truly have been sad. Can't wait to see all the visit home festivities and see what 3 songs the contestants pick next week.

The Top 4 & the Rock & Roll Hall of ????

So here I am all set to be wowed out of my seat and oh it isn't happening tonight.

David Cook's first performance was okay for him and great in comparison to what the rest had to offer. His second was better except for the very end where it seemed he was rushing it. Perhaps if the judges shut up there would be time for the contestants to comfortably sing their songs the way they practiced them.

Syesha isn't going down without a fight and I really enjoyed her performances. Her voice is much more enjoyable in her lower range and she is able to power without screeching.

Jason, Jason, Jason... What could I possible say that wouldn't be mean? Dude, if you don't want to be there tell the producer's you quit and go home, otherwise practice and perform, practice and perform.

David Archuleta's first was good and I liked the little change ups, but the second left me sleepy and bored. I think he has a lovely voice just no wow factor.

My Ranking: David Cook, Syesha, David Archuleta, Jason

Farwell to Brooke

I am actually relieved to see her go! The girl was falling apart in front of us, and it just wasn't funny. I'm glad that she left being proud of the performances that she did and knowing that she is stronger than she thought she was.

Now about the group number??? What was that mess?!? Who had the bright idea to have DA sing "Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies and everyone go"! Too funny. And why was DC the only one you could really hear when he soloed, hmmmm.

Oh well, on to Rock-n-Roll week, looking forward to what should be some really interesting performances.

The Top 5 Do Neil Diamond

So tonight brought us the music of Neil Diamond and it was interesting to say the least. Here's what I thought of the performances:
Round 1

• Jason Castro - Forever In Blue Jeans - It was just there. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.


• David Cook - I'm Alive - It was better than good, but somehow not all that I am used to getting from him. Although I do have to admit that as I listen to it while I am writing I like it more now than I did then.


• Brooke White - I'm A Believer - A little to frantic and frentic for my taste, but at least she managed a little smiling.


• David Archuleta - Sweet Caroline - Umm who thought this song would be a good choice for him??? The "pitchiness", strange phrasing just sort of ruined this for me.


• Syesha Mercado - Hello, Again - Wow, she can really sing when she isn't trying to over do the whole diva note thing. I am enjoying her more and more. Poor Sysesha this probably means she is going home.

So my top pick for round 1 was Syesha with David C. a close second. And lest we forget the disaster that is Paula, I really wonder what drugs she is taking and if there is any way to get some. I have some people I'd like to confuse.
Round 2

• Jason Castro - September Morn - This could have been great, but of course all of Paula's premonitions came true and it was in general very blah.


• David Cook - All I Really Need Is You - Loved it! I miss the big notes from him, but the music, the lyrics, the performance was all just so perfect. And we got guitar in both performances!


• Brooke White - I Am I Said - I liked it. It was sweet and vulnerable like all of her best performances. I wish I was more hopeful for her future in this competition, but I think she is more than ready to leave at this point.


• David Archuleta - America - Eh! It's not that it was badly sung, or even a poor song choice, I am just over the ballady, heart warming, Disneybot already.


• Syesha Mercado - Thank The Lord For The Night Time - Wow, I liked this one too. She really is coming into her own on the Idol stage, now the question is - is it too little too late?

And round 2 goes to David C. with Brooke and Syesha turning in memorable performances as well. Looking forward to tomorrow night and the results.

Top 2: David Cook, Syesha
Bottom 2: David Archuleta, Jason Castro

Bye-Bye Carly

Wow we say good bye to Carly as 6 becomes 5. I'm going to miss her, I didn't always like watching her but I always enjoyed listening to her songs afterwards. Next week it is Neil Diamond week and the contestants are doing 2 songs, should be interesting.

The Top 6 Do Andrew Llyod Webber

I must admit I have really been looking forward to this since the theme was first announced. I was definately a theatre geek in high school and just adore Webber's musicals. Overall I was not disappointed with the performances.

David Cook was my favorite of the night. A straight up performance of "Music of the Night" was the last thing I expected, and once again the unexpected was fabulous. Fantastic vocal control, tone, texture, and the boy oozes charisma.

David A., Carly, and Syesha all crowded in wanting to be second; but I think Syesha took it on pure surprise factor. I really liked her, she looked happy and alive, it wasn't a ballad, and she sounded great. David A. surprised by actually making a diva song work, and for making a broadway showtune sound like it could play on pop radio; although I was just a little disappointed that he didn't drift quite as far from his comfort zone. And thank you ALW for helping Carly find her comfort zone! "Superstar" was the perfect song for her, and even with some lyric flubs she was fun to watch on stage.

Brooke and Jason wrap up the pack and I will put Brooke last just because I think the poor girl is actually ready to go. Jason delivered another boring, uninspired performance that left me wondering just how long his looks can keep him in this. Poor Brooke, she didn't perform horribly after the restart; but who gets 2 restarts in one season. During the judges comments I wondered if she was going to throw up and then flee for her life, perhaps it would be better if she had.

top 3: David C., Syesha, David A.

bottom 3: Carly, Jason, Brooke

Farwell to Kristy

Finally I have managed to spell the girl's name correctly and she is gone!!!!!! Do I feel bad, not in the least, now all we have to do is dump Syesha and I will be almost happy to let the rest of the season play out however. Deep in my heart of hearts I really, really want Cookie to win; but Daughtry's doing fine on a 5th place finish, so get rid of Syesha and however the rest plays out I will live with it.

Till next week when we enjoy the music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber!!!

Top 7 Do Mariah Carey

So my expectations for this night were not high, too many times we have all heard the judges warn against doing Mariah and now the producers have backed the top 7 in a corner and put the diva gun to their heads.

Surprise, the guys delivered solid performances. David A. was predictable but note perfect and not hard to watch. David C. blew me away and I just know that I will be listening to that performance for hours this coming week. Jason started and ended good, which made the strain on his voice in the middle a little less noticable.

Now for the girls, can we say train wreck. Carly could have been good, if she had just managed to let go, I like her despite this and keep rooting for her breakout performance. Syesha overstretched herself once again and totally missed the mark. Brooke tried to reach beyond herself and fell kind of flat but not so much so that I have stopped loving her, I am still amazed at how much I like to listen to her between shows. And then there is Kristie, I swear that this was one of her best performances and I know that should mean something, but it doesn't I just want her to go away so that we don't lose anymore good contestants.

Top 3: David C., David A., Jason

Bottom 3: Kristie, Brooke, Syesha

IGB and Spring Break Don't Mix

While on one hand I am glad I didn't have to shuttle my daughter off to bed a little early 3 nights in a row in order to watch IGB having her here 24/7 doesn't leave time for much else. Not that I really wanted to write about this disaster of a week.

The Tuesday performances were overall uninspiring. I love David Cook but the whole arrangement fell flat and the only uplifting moment was the message on his hand. Carly and Michael gave decent vocal performances but the performances left something to be desired. Syesha is once again do a combo performance this time trying to blend Diana & Fantasia ~ NOT! Both David A. and Brooke delivered solid if boring and predictable performances. And Kristie and Jason, yeah they were there too.

Wednesday night started off fun and I had no real delusions about what most of the show content was going to be; but that didn't stop me from being just a little bit annoyed when they started trying to shove religion down my throat in the process.

Tonight the catastrophe continued with a replay of last night's most blatant religious pitch and then some more heart wrenching clips of children in desperate need. Then in an amazing twist the first five out are safe, go Cookie, and Michael, Carly, and Syesha are left hanging in the wings. What possesses America to leave the likes of Kristie, Syesha, and Jason while dumping Michael I don't think I'll ever understand. Till next time.

Good Bye to Ramiele

I really am sad to see Ramiele go, she has a lovely voice; but I think that people miss the voice because she lacks stage presence and confidence. I am absolutely shocked that Brooke was in the bottom 3, we listen to her performance alot in our house. Well until next week...

AI Does Dolly Parton

Well, Dolly was just as sweet as she could be and I can't imagine that she was any real help in the development process for the contestants, as she had not one single negative thing to say. Brooke got cheated by the judges as her performance (excluding inappropriate smiling) was better than the judges gave her credit for, and no one really had time to enjoy poor Michael's performance as time was running out. Syesha truly has a death wish trying to blend the worst of Dolly & Whitney to make a truly jumbled version of "I Will Always Love You". My guess is Syesha or Ramiele will go home just due to lack of support.

Top 3: David C., Michael, Brooke
Bottom 3: Syesha, Ramiele, Jason

Songs From Their Birth Year

In general I would think it was a wise move to pick fairly well known songs since they are at least 16 years old by the time you are singing them, but at least 2 people picked songs I've never heard before?! I liked Ramiele & Syesha, and except for a few minor things felt that Carly & Brooke did well also. Kristie deserves mention for being beyond smart and choosing the ultimate patriotic country song to almost guarantee her a few more week in the competition. Michael was great for the first time in just about forever and then there was David C.! Wow, thank you Ryan for pointing out that it was Chris Cornell's version, who cares David killed it and gets extra brownie points for doing it at the end of the show.

Top 3: David C., Michael, Syesha

Bottom 3: David A., Chikezie, Jason

The Top 11 Do the Beatles

Wow, a second week of classic hits just wasn't as kind to the contestants as the first. I think that most of them tried to do something different to some how stand apart from last week and unfortunately most of them did so in a slightly bad way. David A. was one of the few who definately shined, back on his game he gave a stunning performance of "The Long and Winding Road", and Syesha came back with a lovely performance of "Yesterday". David C. and Carly also ranked high on the list of favorites. I would like for this to be Amanda's week but think perhaps Kristie has finally done herself in. Until the results...

Top 3: David A., Syesha, David C.
Bottom 3: Michael, Amanda, Kristie

Bye-Bye David H.

So the first of the finalists fall. It seems strange this season that we are sending home singers who could have easily won previous seasons. I really am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. Good bye to David H. who suffered more from rumors than a bad performance, may Amanda follow you next week. TTFN