I am really busy at work this week that’s why I did not manage to post an entry about last night’s episode of American Idol. And maybe starting this week, I’ll just merge my “performance” and “results” night into one blog entry because Idol posts have been dominating my blog. Hehehe. Anyway, the finals is already near.
Last night’s episode is interesting to me. The Top 6 sang songs of Andrew Llyod Webber. You know… musicals… I think it’s a tough week and the contestants should pick the right song for them. It’s good that Lord Andrew did a good job as a mentor for the contestants. He really gave advices. He even asked Carly to change her song from “All I Ask Of You” to “Jesus Christ Superstar”. But I am somehow disappointed because nobody sang “All I Ask Of You”.
Anyway, as I said, I am really busy this week that’s why I wasn’t able to watch Syesha’s and Jason’s performances. But based on the recap of their performances, I think Syesha had a good performance last night. Lots of confidence. A performer. I am not a fan of Syesha but I think she did a good job. What I like about Syesha is that whenever she gives a not so good perofrmance, she will be back with a vengeance the week after. She sang “One Rock And Roll Too Many”.
Jason Castro sang “Memory”. I am sorry to all Jason Castro fans but I really get bored when he performs on the AI stage. I always want to see something new from him. I think that he might be in danger this week. Actually, I guess Jason will be the one eliminated this week.
Brooke White sang “You Must Love Me”, one of my favorite songs. Oh my… she forgot the lyrics. I don’t know if the people will still forgive Brooke this time around. If you remember what happend when she sang “Every Breath You Take”, she didn’t hit the right note. Like what I always say, what I like about Brooke is that she sings from the heart. I am somehow disappointed with her version of “You Must Love Me”. Maybe because I am comparing her version with Madonna’s version, which is a good one. I guess she might be eliminated tonight, but I really feel it would be the end for Jason.
David Arculeta sang “Think Of Me”. As usual, it was boring for me. But I think it was a good performance from him.
Carly Smithson sang “Jesis Christ Superstar”. She was supposed to sing “All I Ask Of You”, but Lord Andrew told her that it is not the song for her. And it was a good decision because the judges loved her performance. I think that Carly is getting better every week. I think she will stay in the competition the longest among the girls. (As of now)
David Cook sang “Music Of The Night”. Yah, I know many are disappointed because we thougt he will do another “rock version” of Lord Andrew’s songs. But he didn’t. It was a good song and I think David manage to perform it well. Actually it’s okay for me so that we can see how well-rounded David Cook as a performer. But it didn’t make a huge impact compared to his “Always Be My Baby” version.
And now, my fearless rankings…
1. Carly Smithson – I’ll give it to her this week. 
2. David Cook
3. David Archuleta
4. Syesha Mercado – She had a good performance but I think she can’t still make it to the Top 3 tonight.
5. Brooke White – Might be in danger this week but I think Jason will be the one to say goodbye tonight.
6. Jason Castro – The competition is really getting tough. He should have impressed the judges and the audience.
And the results are in…
It is surprising that Brooke White is not in the bottom 2. Well, I love Brooke and I hope she consider this as a chance for her to improve more. Syesha and Carly are in the bottom 2. Look at that! I placed Carly in my Top 1 for last night’s episode and then… she was the one eliminated… It is another surprising week.
Anyway, let me just remind you that my Idol posts are just based on my personal opinions. I have no intentions of arguing with others who don’t have the same opinion as mine. We live in a free world anyway. But I do appreciate comments and I respect them.
Inihanay sa: American Idol, Idol, Television | Minarkahan: Brooke White, Carly Smithson, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado
I disagree on your take with Jason Castro’s performance. Why?
First, their performance for this week is based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s songbook, which of course, is a long list on musicals, theater, operas. Castro chose ‘Memory’ from the musical ‘Cats’. The story behind the popular piece is a cat facing her 9th life’s death. Thus, sadly reminiscing on her memories.
In musicals, more than anything else, the message of the song need to be delivered to the audience. The character singing shouldn’t be a show-off, nor find it as a recording deal opportunity (think high-pitched divas), rather, it’s his/her responsibility to tell the story, to set the mood. In AI Season 7, the same criteria was set on the week of the Inspirational Songs. It’s not their vocal prowess that mattered. Rather, it’s how they connected to the audience -the feel of the song’s genuine story, giving voice to the piece’s emotions.
*Note: Kristy Lee Cook was great that week. Great song choice: ‘Anyway’. Look for the lyrics, or better yet, listen to the lyrics while she sang it. Then you’d understand. On the other hand, Syesha Mercado sounded and seemed ‘fake’ while performing ‘I Believe’. She lacked real emotions and relied on her vocal prowess too much.
Castro, gave a great interpretation of ‘Memory’, because, he sent the story to the audience so well. I can’t imagine someone dying, yet still hits on high notes. Diva? Yes. Effective? No. Castro’s relaxed, smooth voice was perfect for the song’s melancholic mood. Just perfect.
To appreciate this particular AI’s episode, it’s a must to forget it’s a competition. Watch and listen to each performance on its own. Did you feel the song’s story? Well, as a patron of musicals, and a literary scholar, Castro’s take on the song was different -in a very brave yet effective way of pinching our emotions. Drama, it would be a lie to deny i got teary-eyed myself.
This is Castro’s forte. Delivering emotions rather than winning competitions.
So have you heard the news? This week’s elimination was surprising.
@kacey
- i respect your opinion kacey. i just like to remind you that i just gave my opinion too. anyway, my opinion does not have effect on the results of the show. it’s just how i see him as a performer… different from yours.
thanks for the comment
@keng
-yup. i am surprised…
It’s quite surprising. Brooke White has survived.
damn….bakit lahat nalang ng bet ko nawawala…syett!!!!alam ko na mananalo.grrr…
i was surprised with Carly Smithson’s elimination. i know that she will not make it to the finals but why was she eliminated now?
mas maraming candidate for elimination – Jason, Brooke and Syesha. although i have to applaud Syesha for doing good this week.
Jason’s performance was disappointing. what he lacked was the strong vocals. sure, it was about facing death, but, reminiscing your life should have become more powerful than knowing that you are facing your end.
anyway, we can’t turn back time and hope for a Jason (or maybe, Brooke) elimination next week. haha.
@Margaret
- yup. I was expecting that she’ll be in the bottom 2… well, maybe she’s in the bottom 3. hehe
@Maldito
- Obviously, marami nanamang disappointed sa resulta.
@jod
-korek. akala ko nga eh siya ang matitira sa mga babae eh