So I’m two days late to the AI party, but here we go.
(By the way, I heard through the grapevine that Mariah Carey is the guest mentor on this particular show. And I don’t know if y’all know this, but Mariah and I are about the same age, and we, like, TOTALLY dress the same.)
(It’s uncanny, really.)
David Archuleta - “When You Believe” - This is actually his first performance in SEVERAL weeks when I’ve felt like he lived up to all the David Archuleta hype. Really well done. And I think it helped that he sang a modern song. I would also like to say, on a note that is completely unrelated to his performance, that THE PEOPLE IN THE FRONT NEED TO PUT DOWN THEIR ARMS, OH THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Carly Smithson - “Without You” - Okay, I LOVED hearing her sing in that lower range (as opposed to screaming at me in her upper range). It also struck me that she didn’t try to oversing this song at the very beginning. I think this was one of her strongest performances so far. Very compelling.
Syesha Mercado - “Vanishing” - Wow. I think Syesha made a believer out of me this week - mainly because I didn’t feel like she was doing an imitation of another singer. For the first time, I felt like I saw a glimpse of who Syesha really is. And that was refreshing.
Brooke White - “Hero” - As always, Brooke’s performance was very genuine. But there wasn’t anything extra special about this particular song for me - it felt very plain, for lack of a better word - like she wasn’t sure how to put her own spin on it. It just felt a little generic to me. But I have big hopes that next week will be better.
Kristy Leigh Cook - “Forever” - I think the low notes were a little much for her - and a real reminder of how huge Mariah Carey’s range is. But once she got going, it wasn’t so bad. She actually sounded confident on the chorus, and had the song been a little more fast-paced, those low notes probably wouldn’t have stuck out so much.
David Cook - “Always Be My Baby” - LOVED THIS. Loved the arrangement, loved the performance - and what was so cool was that it sounded like something that could be a hit right now. You’re a clever fella, David Cook. Oh yes you are.
Jason Castro - “I Don’t Want To Cry” - I thought this was a neat song for him - and it also showed how much he has improved as a vocalist since the show started. I loved the acoustic feel to the whole thing - I thought he did a great job.
I won’t do the should go / will go thing because I already know. But given that, I definitely think that the right person went home, because we’re left with a really talented top 6 - maybe the strongest yet.
Also, tonight’s show gave me a whole new appreciation for Mariah Carey - she is quite the songwriter, oh yes she is.
Finally: best of the night - David Cook
So I’m all done now - but be sure to check out everyone else’s opinions below!
DT says:
Do you know the story about DCook’s half-brother, Adam? He’s battling terminal brain/spinal cancer, and it sounds like he has only months to live. It’s a very sad story. Adam and his family were flown to LA on a medical plane so that Adam could see David perform. That’s why David had tears in his eyes, and why that performance was so moving overall. Love me some DCook!
(PS - my Dave Barnes CD came yesterday and I love it! Thanks!)
April 17th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Kelley says:
I also heard (on a FoxNews feature after AI) that David’s brother wanted him to sing a Depeche Mode song, but AI doesn’t have approval to perform/broadcast their music. So David put the initials “AC” on his guitar in honor of his brother. (I’ve always wondered what those letters meant. Now we know.)
Anyway, I LOVE that he’s so genuine, and I have SO enjoyed ALL of his performances to date.
April 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Vania says:
*delurks*
I agree with all of this, except for Syesha. “Vanishing” is one of my favorite Mariah Carey songs, and Syesha did it exactly like Mariah. Even down to the va-a-a, a-a-a, a-a-a, …niiiishing part. I think she got away with it because it that song was never a radio hit, so most people have never heard it. If you’ve never heard it, I’d recommend the download– it’s basically just Mariah and the piano, and it really shows of her voice.
BTW, I love reading your Idol recaps.
*goes back into lurk mode*
April 17th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Natalie Witcher says:
AI- sooo fun!
I just shot you an e-mail cuz I was wating the office and thought of you. If you haven’t seen it yet…I remain silent. If so…way fun, huh?
April 17th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Amy says:
I appreciate that David has in no way shape or form used his brother on the show for the sympathy vote. Love him.
April 17th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! says:
HELLO PLEASE POST ABOUT THE OFFICE.
Because AI is old news.
(I have never actually watched AI.)
(Unbelievable, I know.)
(Waiting anxiously for your Office post.)
April 17th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Suzie says:
I’d love an Office post, too. My husband and I just finished watching the first three seasons on DVD, and are going back through them again to watch our favorite ones.
Maybe just your favorite moments…one of my all time favs would have to be the bat episode.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Steph T. says:
I’m going to have to comment twice. I put up my DD’s thoughts as well. :) So as soon as I’m done watching, I’ll post my thoughts, then read yours…and the rest of the GANGS…I’ve been trying to be good and not find out who left! :) so far, I’m doing great! LOL
I was so happy to see that you hadn’t seen it either…i’m just running behind!
April 20th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Steph T. says:
Ok - I’ve finally gotten caught up! Now for reading your thoughts…for starters. I was wrong, but happy.
I love how everyone thinks so differently sometimes. It’s what makes the world tick, I think. :)
April 20th, 2008 at 11:39 pm