Tuesday, May 20, 2008

David vs. David - The Showdown

Kim Reis

It’s been all over the entertainment shows.  It’s been all over the radio.  And now, the moment is here.  David vs. David.  Talk about a distracting day as I wondered who would be this season’s winner.  I flop back and forth.  Archuleta has been getting tons of press (well, actually, his father has been getting tons of press).  Simon Cowell was on Ellen and talked about him.  They talked about “daddy” on “Extra” tonight.  It almost seems like the media is trying to help him win because I haven’t seen hardly anything about Cook.

So, as I sit here on my bed with my laptop on my lap and my cat purring at my side, I think about how all of these contestants’ lives have changed since January.  Amanda Overmyer and her white patch of hair.  Brooke White and her constant tears. Carly Smithson and her big voice. Chikezi and his very sweet smile.  David Hernandez and his strip tease controversy.  Jason Castro and his weird Hawaiian versions of songs.  Kristy Lee Cook who stayed on the show longer than she should have.  Michael Johns and his gorgeous accent.  Ramiele Maluby - the tiny singer with the big voice.  And Syesha Mercado, who grew more than anyone.  Most of them will have some sort of career in the future.  And, both David’s have no reason to fear.  Whether they win or lose - their lives will change forever.

I loved the “LET’S GET READY TO RUMMMMMBLE” beginning.  The David vs. David Smackdown!  That was a great way to start the night!  And, all of the stars in the audience with their kids.  I think I saw a “has been” from “90210”.  His kids probably think he’s the coolest dad ever. 

Each contestant will sing 3 songs.  I couldn’t believe it was scheduled to be an hour instead of a 3 hours marathon.  Idol usually stretches the thing on and on and on.  Trust me, an hour is plenty.  But Idol usually drags it on.

I had no idea that neither one of them was ever in the bottom three.  They are both undefeated.  WOW!  Should make for an awesome night.  After a coin toss, Archuleta decided to sing second.  When he started talking, he oddly sounded like Michael Jackson.  He’s a little odd.  And, wasn’t Michael Jackson’s dad a crazy stage father?  Hmmm? 

It was so funny when Simon Cowell told them that they have to bring out strong and hate their opponent.  Archuleta went on to basically say, “I love you man.“  I was so hoping that Cook would tell Archuleta to screw!  HA HA HA HA HA!  But, the love was flowing and they both took the safe road.  They told each other how great they are, blah, blah, blah.

Cook opened the show with “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2, chosen by Clive Davis.  Good song for Cook’s big voice.  He definitely made it his own and controlled his voice before he rocked it out at the end.  At the beginning of the song, he focused on the vocals to show the world that he could really sing.  Nice way to open the show, but he has to make sure this was his low point.  He has to ramp up with each song.  Cook set the pace, now let’s see if Archuleta can keep up.

Clive chose “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John for Archuleta.  Good song for David who does much better with slower ballads.  And, this song has some big notes.  He did a nice job and, after round one, I think Archuleta won by a nose.  Although they both sounded great, Archuleta definitely took round one.

Andrew Lloyd Weber chose the songs for round 2.  Cook will sing “Dream Big” and Archuleta will sing “In This Moment” - two unknown songs.  Weber said that a true performer will be able to get the audience to love a song, even if they’ve never heard it before.

Cook - going for the gold - started off slow.  It almost sounded like he couldn’t find the right note until the mid-way point where he rocked it out.  Not his best performance by far.  I think he’ll look back at this song and wish he could dream bigger by singing a little better.  Randy loved it, but I think he’ll disagree when he listens to it back after the show.  Cook really never found the note. 

Archuleta came up next.  He was very emotional after the last song, so I hope he’s backstage pulling himself together.  I’m guessing by the title that “In This Moment” will be very ballad-like.  Sounds like a Whitney Houston title.  Yup - another ballad.  Started off slow and ended a little better.  Round 2 goes to “Archie” again - but barely.  (Ryan Seacrest called him “ARCHIE” - what was that all about?)  I didn’t think either one of them had a stud performance in Round 2.  But Archuleta’s words really matched what he was probably thinking in his mind.  “No one can take away this moment from me.“  He sang those words straight from the heart.

As I take a quick intermission - may I just say that Simon is the only one who is honest.  Randy and Paula play paddy-cake with the contestants.  You might not like Simon on a personal level, but at least he’s honest.

OK - so Round 3.  The final round.  Their last chance to wow America.  This last round was the contestant’s choice.  This choice could be the biggest decision they ever make.  They could sing any song they wanted.  Cook chose “The World I Know” by Collective Soul.  Archuleta chose “Imagine” by John Lennon. 

Cook took a song that I know pretty well and made it sound like a totally different song.  I do like how he takes songs and really owns them.  Just like he took Billie Jean and made it sound so different.  I think he did a very nice job and just focused on his voice instead of trying to scream through a rock song.  He’s got such a unique sound and he really did a nice job.  I didn’t like Cook’s tears at the end.  I felt like he was just turning on the waterworks to compete.  Archuleta has true emotion after he sings.  Simon called him “nice and sincere”.  As a viewer, he doesn’t come across that way.  Simon said, “wrong song”.  Either way, it doesn’t matter.  David Cook will have a successful career.

Sidebar - Simon winked at Cook.  What was that all about???

Archuleta - “Imagine”.  He sang the song once before in a previous round.  Not sure if that was a good idea because some viewers might consider it a cop-out since he already sang that song once.  He did a very nice job - just like his first time.  The kid can sing, that’s for sure.  I just hope he can handle the kind of fame that will be thrown at him in the next few years.  David -  keep your feet on the ground, kid.  Keep your feet on the ground.

After Round 3 - Archuleta will be the next American Idol.  And, his career will follow a path like Clay Aiken.  He will do just fine and I’m sure he’ll be touring with a Christmas concert to theatres like PPAC in the coming years.

Til tomorrow Idol fans.  We’ll all be sitting close to our TV’s waiting for the final announcement. 

It Could Be a Woman’s Year!  (Dancing with the Stars)

Kim Reis

It could be a woman’s year!!!  Kristi Yamaguchi ruled the dance floor last night in both dances.  She really was the best dancer - by far!  Not to say that Christian and Jason aren’t nice guys,  but they trail behind Kristi by a mile.  If she doesn’t win, it will be a travesty!

They first danced the cha-cha in a “dance off” style.  First was Christian and I was smiling and moving in my seat.  That man can wiggle and I thought, “He’s the one to beat.“  Next came Jason and it slowed the night to a screeching halt.  Then came Kristi and I was WOWED! 

Then, they danced a free-style dance that included some hip hop moves and some awesome lifts and flips.  It was so neat!!  Again, Kristi stole the show and she set the pace.  I loved their costumes, the moves and, the dance itself was very fast and very difficult.  Jason tried, really hard, but he just couldn’t keep the fast pace.  He does much better in slower songs because he’s an elegant kind of guy.  I know he’s used to winning in football, but I don’t think he’ll take the prize in DWTS.  I hope America doesn’t vote for Christian based on sympathy because of his arm injury.  Look - he did a great job and it was amazing that he could swing his partner all over the dance floor with one arm.  BUT - he was not the best dancer in this competition.

I’ll go out on a limb and say Congrats to Kristi for a job well done.  She’s been favored to win since day one and I think she’ll take the prize!!!

And - since it was already a Woman’s Year with Biggest Loser.  Kristi will carry it on.  Too bad Idol became a battle of the David’s.  It would have made a trifecta if a woman had been in the finals for that show too!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Buy Tickets to American Idol Concert BEFORE the General Public!

Kim Reis

The American Idol Concert Tour is coming to The Dunk on September 7th and turnto10.com has your opportunity to purchase tickets BEFORE they go on sale to the general public.  Click here for the secret code word and the secret link.  This presale is only open today (Friday May 18, 2008) until 10pm!!  Happy shopping!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

YUP!  Battle of the Davids

Kim Reis

So - no crow needed.  I had already picked out the rice and vegetable medley I would eat with my crow if Syesha made it into the final two.  But, no fork needed.

Syesha will do just fine in this world.  She’s extremely talented and, sometimes, the runners up do better than the winner.  Look at Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry. 

When I watched Archuletta’s homecoming, I was in tears.  It was really quite touching.  I think it finally hit him when he saw the crowds.  Even Cook looked rather taken aback when he saw the crowds and how much they loved him.

Next week’s showdown should be interesting.  I can see the promos now: {DEEP ANNOUNCER VOICE} - “DAVID VERSUS DAVID!“  {visual of their heads clashing like football helments}  HA HA HA HA!  Fox will have a field day with this showdown.

I’m totally on the fence for the final winner.  Archuletta has all of the grandmas and teeny boppers.  Cook has all of the rockers from the 80s & 90s who are now in their mid-thirties.  This really will be a close call.

But…

My choice is…

I know, I can’t take it back…

What I say will stick forever…

My choice is…

DAVID ARCHULETTA!  I think his true emotion when he went home really pulled at people’s heart strings and sealed the deal for him.  Cook is talented and he’ll do just fine.  He’ll probably tour with Daughtry someday.

Don’t forget - tickets to the Idol tour go on sale this weekend! 

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Two Men and a Lady - Idol’s Final Three

Kim Reis

So - we’re down to the final three.  Tonight will decide which two Idols will battle it out in the end.  Some say it will be Cook.  Some say Archuletta. And then there are those that say Syesha is the underdog and she’ll squeak it out.  Three songs tonight.  One judge’s choice, one contestant’s choice and one producer’s choice.

Song one - Archuletta sang a Billy Joel song.  I’ve never heard the song before, but MAN!  Most of the song was a capella and his voice resonated.  It was a pure vocal and it really showed off his talent.  Nice first song.

Syesha sang Alicia Keyes, “If It Aint You”.  Big song, big artist.  Can she do it?  Why yes she can!!! Syesha looked like a star tonight.  Her dress was so elegant. And she really had a strong vocal. 

If this was “Dancing With the Stars, my score would be Archuletta 9 - Syesha 8.

Poor Cook.  “If Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack???!!  That’s the song that Simon picked for David.  I don’t think Simon likes the front runner and he was really trying to watch him “Fall on his Face”.  I think he did the best he could do with the song choice, but I have to agree with Randy.  I wanted to hear him rock it out.  And the “Happy Mother’s Day” to his mother was a lame way to get more votes from the moms watching.

My score after round 1 - Archuletta 9, Syesha 8, Cook 8.5.

David Archuletta chose “With You” by Chris Brown.  He’s an old soul and he does the old songs and ballads much better.  He kept flubbing the words too.  The song was too fast for him.  At his age, he should be able to sing a hip hop song with ease.  But, he didn’t pull it off and that will really bring down my scores.

New score - Archuletta 7.5, Syesha 8, Cook 8.5

Syesha chose “Fever” by Peggy Lee.  And, her dress was HOT HOT HOT!  If she can pull off the sexiness of this song, she might gain some male votes.  She has certainly found her nitch.  She’ll be on Broadway as soon as the Idol concert tour ends.  She’s very talented.  And, I’m willing to eat crow.  I had her voted out a long time ago.  She has grown so much in this competition and has proven why she should still be here.  The vocals were just as hot as her sexy flirtations with the lonely chair on the stage.  I think Paula’s comments were pure jealousy.  But I fear that jealous wives on the couch will vote against her too.  So, that may have been a dangerous choice.  She definitely did better than David Archuletta.

Scorecard - Archuletta 7.5, Syesha 8.5, Cook 8.5

Now, will Cook pull it off and rock the house to close out the show?

DARN COMMERCIAL BREAKS!!!

Cook chose “I Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot.  I didn’t like how it started.  The range was really low and pitchy.  I was hoping he would really rock it out and it just never happened for me.  He never really found the note.  He was just underneath it the whole song.  He is definitely a performer, but this was definitely not his best performance. 

After two rounds - my scorecard is Archuletta 7.5, Syesha 8.5, Cook 8

Round THREE…

Archuletta sang “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg (rest in peace Dan).  Ballad - good choice.  Older song - another good choice.  David brought it back from his Chris Brown hole he put himself in.  David looked really pale tonight.  He needs a tanning bed or something.  And he looked tired.  It must be tough preparing three songs and this really shows the professionals from the mediocre.

After that performance, I say it’s Archuletta 8.5, Syesha 8.5, Cook 8.  It’s a close call tonight. 

As the commercial break looms on - let me just say that this year’s Idol hasn’t had me on the edge of my seat like previous years.  During Clay and Ruben - I was so anxious I bit off every fingernail.  During Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice, I started to cry.  I’m not feeling an overwhelming emotion this year.  It’s just not as hot this year.  I don’t know what it is?  This year’s cast of characters is just not doing it for me Dawg. 

OK - back to the show…

American Idol concert tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10am for this summer’s concert at The Dunkin Donuts Center.

The Idol producers chose “Baby, Baby” by Rihanna.  She really reminded me of Beyonce and she definitely showed that she has what it takes to be a pop star.  The judges didn’t think she did enough to make it to the finals.  She might gain votes by being the underdog and she might get an upset.  I think she did a good job, but she didn’t blow me away as we come up on the finals.  In previous years, I was staring at the TV with a look of WOW on my face.  This year, it all sounds really karaoke-like.

Scorecard - Archuletta 8.5, Syesha 8, Cook 8

If Cook can blow us all away, then it could be the Battle of the David’s (like I predicted back in early April).  If Cook’s ego gets in the way, then Syesha might have a chance.

Cook chose Aerosmith - “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”.  Smart choice.  I didn’t like the strings in the background to start the song.  He did it.  He rocked it out.  He sealed the deal.  It will be the “Battle of the Davids”.  This was not what Syesha wanted, that’s for sure.  Cook brought the crowd to their feet and it was a great way to close out the show.  WOW!  Randy’s comment of “predictable” wasn’t fair.  David Cook is a rocker and he picked a rockin’ song. 

David VS David.  I can already see the promos all week as they lead up to the finale.

I’ll be voting all night, so I gotta go!!!  Vote, vote, vote.  I’d love to see Syesha pull it off, but I’m not sure she has a chance.  She had a good run.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Idol’s Top 4 Rock It Out

Kim Reis

So, the Idol Final Four took the stage tonight and chose songs from the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

David Cook chose “Hungry Like the Wolf”.  It was really quite good and I thought it was a good song choice.  Cook comes across humble, but I’m not sure if it’s an act to get more votes.  I haven’t been a huge fan of his from day one because he’s been a front runner for so long.  I always root for the underdog.  Probably jealousy!!  Judges thought it was good and Paula was more interested in checking out David’s body instead of listening to his performance.  What a flirt!

Syesha sang next and she chose “Proud Mary”.  Let me start off by saying it’s obvious that she’s now in the final four because it looks like someone has started giving her a makeover to make her look like more of a pop star.  She almost looked a little like Beyonce in “Dream Girls” in today’s performance.  The first 25% of the performance was OK and I was looking forward to hearing her kick in the fast part of “Proud Mary”.  The next 25% was pitchy and way too slow and low.  When she kicked into high gear at the 50% mark, it was a little odd and really pitchy.  The head shaking was a little weird too. The final 25% was really good and I liked some her high notes. 

Side note: Tickets for the Idol Concert Tour go on sale May 17th.

Jason Castro was next with “I Shot the Sheriff”.  The only part of this song that was even remotely Bob Marley was his bad dread locks.  How many ways can I say the word BAD?  I need a thesaurus to list all of the ways I can say poor, sad, yuck, sour…  I know I said this last week, but I do think Jason is going to go buh bye this week.  Randy tore him apart.  Paula was right when she said he played to the audience better than any other performance before.  He actually had some personality in today’s performance and he’s usually so blah. When the judges tore him apart, I think Ryan was afraid that Jason was going to cry.  So then he asked Paula to give him a pep talk.  Idol probably talked into Ryan’s IFB and told him to save Jason out of fear that he’d run out the back exit and not show up for his next song on live TV.

David Archuletta was next with “Standy By Me”.  Again - I haven’t been a huge fan because he’s done so well.  I know, I’m weird.  But I REALLY liked his rendition of the song and it brought me right back to the kids on the railroad tracks from the 1980s movie “Stand By Me” starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix and Lard Ass.  Remember that movie??  And I loved how he incorporated the “Beautiful Girls” song at the end which brought the song into today.  I can see him becoming a pop artist.  He’ll do alright in this world. 

Another side note: Clay Aiken came out with his new album this week.  I admit that I used to be a “Clazy Claymate” back in 2003.  Yes, I stood in line for hours waiting to buy tickets for my daughter and I when he came to the Ryan Center.  I think I jumped off of his “Clazy Train” when he died his hair black and took on a very odd look.

Back to the show - David Cook performed his second song which was “Bobba O’Reilly” by The Who.  Perfect song for his voice and what control.  Yes, I have conceded that he’s going all the way.  He sounded so good.  I hope he does an acapella version of a song as the weeks go on.  Remember when Bo Bice sang that acapella song under the spotlight when he was competing against Carrie Underwood?  That gave me chills.  Back to David.  When he started rock it out, I wasn’t as impressed.  The beginning of the song sounded sharp and then he got a little pitchy dawg.

Syesha sang “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cook.  Interesting - she picked a COOK song.  Hmmm?  Is that a precursor of things to come?  Syesha knows how to pick songs that match her voice and her image.  Although I don’t think she’s going to win Idol, I do think she is going to go far in this world.  She’ll be on Broadway and she’ll perform for many years to come.  She’s a very talented singer and I’m glad I got to watch her grow in this competition from day one.  Those final notes were HOT HOT HOT.  She lost it a little bit at the end of the note and dipped just below the note for a few seconds, but that should not cause her to go home.  Randy didn’t like the song.  WHAT???  This song was better than her first song.  Whatever Randy.  Go back to the pound Dawg!  Paula stood up and did that weird clap thing she does.  Have you ever noticed how Paula claps???  She doesn’t bend her fingers and almost claps like she’s wearing plywood paddles on her wrists.  Sorry to digress - back to the show.  Syesha turned on the water works and I’m sure that will help her vote collection.  Simon disagreed with Randy’s opinion and agreed with Paula - which was odd in itself.

The best comment of the night - let me set it up.  Syesha was crying and her makeup was running.  Ryan asked one of the studio crew members to get her a tissue.  She wiped her eyes and said, “I must look like crap right now.“  Ryan said, “Yup”.  WHAT???  He didn’t say, “No honey, you look fine.  Don’t worry about it.“  He said, “Yup”.  HA HA HA HA!!

Jason Castro - “Mr. Tamborine Man”.  Why does he pick these weird songs?  Wait a minute.  I have to rewind my TiVo!!  Did Jason just sing the words “yadda yadda yadda”???!!!  {PAUSE WHILE I REWIND}————-  YUP!  He sang some weird yadda yadda mumble words because he forgot the words!!  At this point in the competition he’s forgetting the words???!!!  This could be the most important experience of his entire life and he blew it.  Why is he still here?  Not to mention that the song only has 10 words.  How can you forget 10 words that repeat over and over and over???  Randy was speechless.  Paula gave him a pep talk.  Simon told him to pack.  I would agree.  Ball up those socks and buy some souvenirs because you’re heading home tomorrow.

David Archuletta chose “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley.  What an old fashioned song for such a young guy.  I’m not expecting greatness, but I do think he’s safe.  He could hum “The Chicken Dance” and probably be safe at this point.  I think David, David and Syesha owe Jason a nice big thank you.  I can picture David singing all of the Christmas Carols around the piano in his livingroom every year.  But I can also picture some of the relatives rolling their eyes in silence saying, “Oh damn!  We have to go to the Archuletta’s house for Christmas this year and listen to their little brat sing like a girl.“  He’s a cute kid and he’ll also go far.  But I thought the song was lame.

I have to admit - I’ve been a huge fan of American Idol since Season 2 and I always have one particular favorite.  This year, I’m not hugely impressed with the contestants and I’m not loving the final four.  When I was asked to give my favorite, I said that I don’t really have a personal favorite.  But, I do maintain that it will be the Battle of the Davids with David Cook taking the prize.

Til next time Idolers!