'Idol' Tracker: Archuleta de Triumph

In its opening stages, warfare often takes on strange forms.  While armies poke at each other, feeling about for weaknesses and searching for their best ground, attempts to define the shape of the battle will almost certainly prove illusory -- today’s victory merely setting the stage for tomorrow’s defeat; today’s frontline a sideshow from the main theater of conflict. 

World War II opened with the evacuation of the British and French forces at Dunkirk, an evacuation celebrated as a victory in England, while it allowed Hitler to pour concrete onto the boundaries of his Fortress Europe. The Battle of Manassas showed that the overconfident Union forces were hopelessly outclassed by the inventive Southern commanders -- a lesson it would nevertheless take the North another few years to learn.

Likewise, at this point last season, the contest was universally seen as a duel between Melinda Doolittle and LaKisha Jones. Two years ago, there wasn’t a pundit in the land who thought Taylor Hicks had a chance at making the top three, let alone winning. This year however, despite an extremely fluid midfield containing a very large number of possible contenders for the finals, one cannot deny that shaping this contest is the humongous fortress looming over every inch of the battlefield, its massive cannons capable of decimating anything that moves below and striking terror into the hearts of its opponents -- a fortress named David Archuleta.  On Tuesday night, The Chosen One reasserted himself as the prohibitive front-runner, casting the race in terms of who will be his main opponent, ultimately, the others hope, the one who will sweep onto the field to play Gen. Pershing and the United States to David’s Kaiser Wilhelm.  (And that competition itself now has a nearly prohibitive front-runner in the person of Carly Smithson, although as the race tightens, she will have to fight the incredibly strong midfield for every inch of soil she gains.)

It was a strange night at the Idoldome.  Before the evening began, the seats filled with the usual assortment of celebrity guests: Joely Fischer, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Rumor Willis.  However, eyebrows were raised by the unprecedented presence in the dome of a phalanx of suit-and-tie-wearing, Secret Service-looking security guards, watching the crowds with eagle eyes astride the elephant doors as they prepared to escort some apparently Very, Very, Very IP to reserved seats, front row and center.  Whispers flew -- could Dick Cheney be coming to watch?  Ban Ki Moon?  Gen. Patraeus? The rare presence in the crowd of worldwide "Idol" creator Simon Fuller only added to the suspense.

Then with seconds to go before opening credits, sneaking in under Simon Cowell’s fanfare, appeared the Royal Personage Herself -- Mrs. Victoria Beckham, with Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz trailing close behind.

On stage, the night had some strange opening skirmish overtones as well.  After the massive explosions of talent firepower last week, the very mixed bag of performances was a bit of an anti-climax, particularly as they were drawing on the same pool of Beatles material.  Mean Judge Cowell seemed particularly crotchety last night, stomping out what came off in the bleachers anyway as passable or better performances by Carly and Chikezie, and by mid-show, almost entirely turning away from many of the performances in apparent disgust.

More genuinely worrisome, however, was an ominous note of cockiness appearing from many of the singers. This column has made a point of advising combatants who desire any sort of longevity to, above all else, behave with decorum when receiving reviews. As previously noted, even "Idol’s" clearest front-runner (until now), Carrie Underwood, had off nights.  Showing humility and respect for the judges is a contestant’s opportunity to show that they are what the public demands -- humble and respectful nice kids and not all-full-of-themselves, getting-too-big-for-their-britches-before-they’ve-even-won. After a bumpy first week in the Top 24, the singers seemed to have learned this lesson and have behaved flawlessly the last few weeks. Until tonight.

Tonight, singer after singer shot back at the judges’ critiques with excuses, explanations and even worse, outright blow-offs. The lowest moment came when Brooke White seemed to be trying to shut them up, filibustering through their comments her “100%” agreement and not listening to a word they said. Of all the candidates, it is The Chosen One, he who has the least to fear from them, who seems to grow stronger with the judges' criticism, who hangs on the judge’s every word, his self-esteem entirely in their hands. It's no coincidence that he is the favorite. Contestants, I will repeat one last time: Your electorate is composed of fans of this show.  The show is represented on air by the judges.  To disrespect the judges, is to disrespect the show, is to spit in the face of the people who hold your fate in their hands. Be respectful and the voters will boo down the judges for you and carry you through a bad night.  Be bratty and dismissive and prepare to reap the whirlwind. Ironically, it was the alt-rocker David Cook who, after giving Simon some lip in the early rounds, struck the perfect tone last night, saying he will take Simon’s harsh words to heart and use them to try and build on what he’s done.  There, is that so hard? (Interestingly, Cook seems to have pulled off what Chris Daughtry never managed to -- finding the right balance of rocker swagger and cool for the "Idol" stage while not acting like he is too good for the show itself and looking like he is holding his nose.)

More worrisome, these reactions to the judges, combined with some lackluster performances, suggests that the greatest season talk may be going a bit to the contestants' heads, becoming a self-denying prophecy. In a conversation with musical director Rickey Minor last year, he said the biggest challenge for every contestant is that a point comes when their egos exceed their ability. It is difficult to sit in the center of the universe and not have that happen. And if that is what was going on for this group, perhaps it is better they got that right out of their system early on. And with the harsh reviews (even from Paula), perhaps this night will prove to be their Dunkirk after all -- an evacuation that initially led to a terrible defeat but that, coming early enough in the hostilities, preserved intact the fighting forces who later would come back ashore at Normandy and march all the way to Berlin. (Except for the one for whom tomorrow night this defeat will prove fatal.)

Gen. Smithson, your troops await your orders!

Six reasons why The Chosen One is certain to win:
1. Has locked up to himself "Idol’s" most crucial voting block, 8- to 11-year-old girls
2. These voters will pathologically speed dial in every vote they can register, fair weather or foul
3. These voters will forgive and love their candidate more for any error or misstep
4. Genetically engineered, trained from birth to win "American Idol"
5. Leading male rival, Michael Johns is on the wane
6. Stumbled early on, lowered expectations just enough

Eight things that could derail The Chosen One:
1. The rising star of Carly Smithson
2. Lack of range
3. His perfection becomes predictable, raising expectations to an impossible level
4. The overwhelming pressure of the expectations of the world gets to him
5. Another stumble like last week's
6. New voters in the 18- to 35-year-old demo, inspired by the fresh faces of Season 7, turn out in unprecedented numbers
7. Future themes force him out of narrow comfort zone
8. Super-humility becomes predictable and tiresome, a la Melinda Doolittle

-- Richard Rushfield

Photo: Fox

Comments

[Jay Smith]

you have this show nailed. thanks!

[Leslie M-D]

Would someone PLEASE address the hideous set which is hindering the performers, the band and the audience? It is bad enough that the musicians are nowhere near the performers, negating any kind of connection with the band. But the musicians themselves are scattered all around the stage, which negates any tight ensemble playing between themselves. The stage is cavernous, forcing the performers to travel ridiculous lengths, and all intimacy between singer & band have disappeared. And why - in a show that lasts 2 hours - are the singers (the people this show is ABOUT) only get 90 seconds in which to prove themselves? 90 seconds x 11 performers = 990 seconds = 16.5 minutes! 16 and 1/2 minutes out of 240 minutes for the all-important performing. Be real - Coca-Cola and iPhone get more TV time than the performers do.

The first year of AI was intimate and fun, and it was really all about the singers. The show is now ridiculously bloated with no time for actual performance. Take away some of their phony-interview time at least - let's see more singing!

[Frank G.]

If David Archuleta does not win the title of American Idol...then the terrorists win. This truly gifted boy is America's answer to all those that hate us. I mean can anyone...anyone (I'm talking to you Bin Laden) dislike the voice, the smile, the genuineness. Listen, I have tried to hate him...simply because he is better than me...it doesn't work. Other contestants , hell other countries could learn from him (I'm talking to you David Cook and France). He defies his age and country origin. I hope all the attention and this immense talent are not hijacked and destroyed like everything else TV gets a hold of.

[Dave]

I think Syesha will give Carly a run for her money. There's something about Carly that's off putting.

[CJ]

It's interesting that you say that all David Archuleta's fans are 8-11 years old. I am in my late 20s and I am an African-American female who normally enjoys gospel, r&b, hip hop and old school music. I,however, am a huge fan of David Archuleta and have been since his first audition. He is extremely talented and I love his pure voice. I am not enthralled by his looks. I truly appreciate his talent and skill. He's something special and he will sell millions of records. Its pretty sad that so many people dislike him because he does carry himself well and acts like a gentleman. So for all the naysayers, David's musical ability has garnered fans of all ages and he will be the NEXT AMERICAN IDOL. It's just that simple. Period.

[Sheri]

I am 30yr old african-american female who wasn't so enthralled with last years competition, but from the moment I saw Archuleta's audition this year I was HOOKED!!!! People of all ages, races and genders have a love, or at least some sort of appreciation for him. People don't just like him cause he's cute because all the competitors are good-looking(with a few exceptions). It's his humbleness and maturity along with his voice and cuteness. He will win Idol no doubt, and if some dark horse rises up and ends up winning it he will still be the big winner in the end with huge album sales. I cannot wait to get my hands on an archuleta cd. I love Ramiele too for her voice, cuteness and likability, but you can just tell who has Idol status and who doesn't!!!!!!

[Nancy]

I'm beginning to wonder if the David A lovers here are actually watching AI. Did you all forget he was horrendous last week? I realize that can (and does) happen to everyone, but he did the unthinkable: He forgot the lyrics! And it's live TV.

David A = Totally Overrated

[a.]

Agree w/ Leslie that to continuously bill the show as all about singing, and then to only give them 100 seconds to sing is absurd & annoying for those of us who really want to hear them sing. Also - Michael Johns unfortunately isn't the "leading male rival" - David Cook & Jason Castro have that honor. And though Carly has a good voice, I agreed with Simon on her performance, and Chikezie's, too. Lastly, I think David A will show us range, and when folks say he's only done ballads, I think they're forgetting his first song, Shop Around, which rocked. (yeah, I think the kid's great, and i'm not a teenager.)

[Tom]

Look out! Archie's Angels are seeing red!

Maybe that is what has affected their reading comprehension. The blogger merely asserts that TCO has the competition in the bag because he has a monopoly on the coveted 13-year old girl re-dialer demo.

But rest assured, this doesn't preclude you lot of misguided grownups from being suckered in by the pre-packaged stage pup.

[Jerry]

I am a 50 year old man majored in Music in college and I have been an avid AI watcher since it first started. I almost gave up on it last year. Sorry, but I couldn't get a grip on Blake's gimmicky singing. And Jordin had potential, but I believe her best stuff was yet to come.
Now, getting to Mr. A., he's a completely different animal. Though, unlike previous idols, he doesn't have range. But he makes up for it with an undefinable, unquantlifiable quality to his instrument. It's like the Chocolate Chip cookie that is so good, but you can't describe why it's so good, you just want more.
I was so disappointed when he really blew it. I was holding my breath until I heard this weeks rendition of "Long and Winding Road". It was almost as good as last months "Imagine" .
Can't wait til next week.

[Stasi]

I'm in my 30s and see no appeal in David A. whatsoever. He's completely boring to me - just a rubber-stamp showkid. At least last night he managed to have his interview piece without mentioning how great he is. He reminds me a lot of Clay Aiken in that he has that voice that makes you want to weep...but whatever happened to Clay Aiken? Is he making hit records? Don't think so.

But Cook will. He has the makings of a true rock star and I can't wait to see him with a band one day - he is better than Daughtry, the most successful (post-show) contestant ever. Chikeze has become my most favorite to watch, though - just can't wait to see what he'll do next. Of the women, Syesha was tops last night, because she was the only one (a) willing to go for a few high notes and (b) to really show vulnerability (what Brooke did so perfectly last week). Her song was SO refreshing! (it does help that she got probably the best pop song of all time...but still, her rendition was excellent).

[JS]

I am a 56 year old woman who just can't help but love David A. There is something so lovely and moving about his voice. He is a cutie as well. I can imagine if I was 10-15, I would think he was IT! Just hearing the Beatles songs reminded me how much in love I was with Paul McCartney. I think David could be that kind of guy to the young girls today.

[gabe delfabbro]

David Archuletais the one. I love him

[Trixi]

When I go to concerts I want to be entertained. I love George Straits music, but I will never go see him in concert again. Why? He is boring to watch. He stands in one place and sings. I feel the same with David A. I will give him props that the kid can sing. But his stage presence has much to be desired. The same with Carrie Underwood. The year she won it was the same thing. She can sing, but she looks like a manequin standing on stage.

I hope all the hype over David A doesn't wind up like Daughtry. Everyone thinking he has the victory in hand. At first I liked Daughtry a little...but then every song started sounding the same. I think David could fall into this catagory.

I'm still not buying that this is the best bunch they have ever had on AI. Season 5 far out weighs all other seasons. Almost all of the top ten have cd's that they have released. Has any other season done that? You don't have to sell millions of cd's to be successful in my book. Doing what you love and making a living at it, is success to me.

[Katie]

With all the space taken up in the Times nowadays for Idol, we could have our dang TV Guide back! I haven't watched since season five, but I recognized David Arhculeta from Star Search, and so I have watched only the performances this year. (YouTube we love you! ) He is great, but it seems his voice has lost the power he once had and it is either nerves, which will go away I hope, or the problems he had with the vocal chord.
At any rate, the sudden obsession by the Times with all things Idol makes me laugh, considering a few years ago, it was not given more than a few paragraphs and spoken about with disdain by writers..............
Having said that, I think you had better spend more time on YouTube, reviewing the performances on other seasons, because this season, most of the contestants are eclipsed by many of the past performers, not only in talent but stage presence.
And, you must not have followed much of season five, because not only Vegas, but most of the writers across the country, as well as bloggers, picked Taylor Hicks very early on to win that season. Those who didn't or haven't followed him post AI, or seen him in concert, have missed some awesome musicianship not allowed on AI.
For my $44.00...........I still want my TV Guide back.

[luvuleta]

David A is great in all areas. As a singer, his voice is pure, has great tone and almost perfect pitch. He emotes and conveys the meaning of a song so well that it appears effortless. His good look and joyous enthusiasm for music complete the package, and that was why Simon said it was a master class performance. How he handles himself is another fantastic revelation about his character: when complimented by the judges, he showed humility and respect not only for them, but also for other contestants (remember what he did when Simon said there were 19 other miserable contestants here after the Imagine performance? He applauded the other contestants and said they all deserved to be there and it was a competition!). Now, I want to respond to one of the posts above about last week's fiasco: if you want to look at his "mistakes" last week, when he forgot his lyrics, not once but three times, you can judge for yourself what kind of person he is by HOW he dealt with that disaster. He said in his pre-performance video this week, when he forgot the lyrics, his first thought was "Dang it!" and then he just laughed it off. He did not make any excuses (like Brooke, Carly, etc. did this week) and basically told himself to just do better the next time and he nailed his next performance! Paula was right when she said that his rise above adversity did not build character, but rather revealed his character. All these traits you assume would be found in a much older person, but in a 17 year old kid who has to perform in front of over 30 million viewers, AND doing it live, every week???? Come on, give credits where credits are due.

[luvuleta]

David A is great in all areas. As a singer, his voice is pure, has great tone and almost perfect pitch. He emotes and conveys the meaning of a song so well that it appears effortless. His good look and joyous enthusiasm for music complete the package, and that was why Simon said it was a master class performance. How he handles himself is another fantastic revelation about his character: when complimented by the judges, he showed humility and respect not only for them, but also for other contestants (remember what he did when Simon said there were 19 other miserable contestants here after the Imagine performance? He applauded the other contestants and said they all deserved to be there and it was a competition!). Now, I want to respond to one of the posts above about last week's fiasco: if you want to look at his "mistakes" last week, when he forgot his lyrics, not once but three times, you can judge for yourself what kind of person he is by HOW he dealt with that disaster. He said in his pre-performance video this week, when he forgot the lyrics, his first thought was "Dang it!" and then he just laughed it off. He did not make any excuses (like Brooke, Carly, etc. did this week) and basically told himself to just do better the next time and he nailed his next performance! Paula was right when she said that his rise above adversity did not build character, but rather revealed his character. All these traits you assume would be found in a much older person, but in a 17 year old kid who has to perform in front of over 30 million viewers, AND doing it live, every week

[Lucy]

OK so everyone has their own opinions/fav contestants on the show. but to me (and a hugeeeee number of people), DAVID ARCHULETA is the one to beat!

This is a popularity-talented competition, and he's got it all.

David Cook is really good, too but he's not likable and popular like David A
but I think the two Davids are the best out of all contestants

[wyatt]

Stasi, " Whatever happened to Clay Aiken?"
There are more ways of making it in the entertainment world than with hit records. While his studio recordings have so far been rather disappointing, he is a fantasic live performer. He has made his mark with numerous sold-out concert tours, and is currently starring on Broadway in "Spamalot", where they have had to erect barricades at the stage door to hold back the crowds wanting to see him up close and get an autograph. I can understand that if you only listen to radio you may wonder where he has been, but his fans are hoping that his next album may be the one that truly captures what is so special about him.
My 80 year old Father is a big David Archuleta fan, so I watched him last week and was not impressed.

[pinkyyy]

DAVID ARCHULETA will no doubt win this competition!!!!