American Idol Tracker: Neil Diamond night first impressions

Simon called it the "strangest show we've ever done."  In person at the Idoldome, things did indeed seem, as he said, a bit chaotic.  I'll have the full report later tonight, but please share your first impressions in our comments section now.

And don't forget to join me for a live chat tomorrow, Wednesday noon PST at chat.latimes.com.

- Richard Rushfield

Comments

[Stephen A.]

Not only did Paula imagine a second song by Jason before it was even sung, she referred to Syesha as Brooke. Was she just totally out of it tonight? Or could it all be blamed on the "chaos" of the different format. And she was doing so well this season.

[Mitzi]

Three words: Paula Abdul

[Helen]

It is so blatanly obvious that Jason Castro is the Scapegoat this year. The big moneymakers of Idol want a David vs David faceoff. And they have certainly thrown Jason under the bus.
I dont think they do anything like Tamper with the votes. They are much smarter and manipulative then that. They just make sure their scapegoat of the year is seen in a bad light and turn the viewers against whoever it is for the season.
Think back viewers to idol shows of yesterday.........
I dont think it is an "accident" that the camera caught Jason Castro "yawning" backstage last week. Or that they have the 2 DAVIDS come out together and announce them SAFE like it would possibly be any other way.....or that they take Jason CAstro and pair him with Carly for her Castoff and then announce Jason safe.....( such an evil doer).......ahhhhhh yes. the joys of manipulating the "yawning" voting public.........But in all fairness....I will say that I would not want Jason Castro to win AI.......he is way too talented and unique. He has his own vibe and style and would not make a good "Generic" American Idol..........So let the Davids faceoff and let the Little Guy win.......because Big David has too much talent too.......
I will be one of the first in line to buy David Castros Cd's
But remember guys this is Television Land where everyone is manipulated expecially the American Idol viewer.......Simon is a smart business man and so is Nigel.....they know that Archeletta is a money maker.......they can turn him into whatever they want. But Jason Castro already knows what type of artist and musician he is. I look forward to listening to music he writes and performs.
Just remember Idol should just be for Fun........Its not REAL!!!!!!!

[Xena]

So...Paula has crowned David Cook the next American Idol winner? I'd take that comment about as seriously as anything else she slurred on Neil Diamond Night. However, I will not attach any conspiracy theories to her gaffes of the evening. I believe that the judges listen to the dress rehearsals prior to the taping of the show, so her blunder about Jason's second song was probably based on what she had heard earlier. Nevertheless, she should be commenting on the same performance that the tv audience views/listens to, and not be making up her mind prior to the actual live performance. The same goes for all the judges. Now I understand why it is that Simon almost never looks directly at the contestants while they are singing. He has seen/heard it all before.

Note to Simon: I can guarantee you that, at least in part, David Archuletta chose to sing "America" as a tribute to his mother, an immigrant to this country. It may have been a smart choice, but I do not beliieve for one minute it was calculated in the same manner that Kristy Lee Cook singing "God Bless the USA" was.

Finally, I just have to say that I do not understand the media hype surrounding David Cook. I think that in many instances some in the media are desperately searching for the next Chris Daughtry. I bet that David Cook would rather be remembered for himself than as the next ________fill in the blank. This coming from someone who wanted Daughtry to win in 2006. The funny thing is, I remember mostly negative comments about Daughtry at the time. I'll never forget some female television commentator saying that he looked demonic! (I was not a blog or message board peruser at the time, so my Idol "fix" came mainly from television.) Anyway, David Cook is talented, but to this Seattle native, he is no Kurt Cobain/Chris Cornell/Eddie Vedder. Perhaps with his own material he is better, but then that could be said of all the contestants.

[Robin]

I have been watching American Idol for years now. Each week after the show I recieve a call from my 10 year old grandaughter...proving this show appeals to all ages.
This year I have a few comments...First a foremost..FEEL THE MUSIC!
You know a performer is good when they make you feel it.
Last nights show was sucha dissapointment.
Unfortunately these performers are to young to have listened to Neil Diamond, unless as Seigrest said. in the back of the car while going shopping with mom.
Neil Diamond has music that cna make you rodk or make you cry. maybe the contstents have a list they must pick from? With the exception of Brooke, they did not pick the Best of Neil Diamond..What a waste!
Brooke is a wonderful performer, aside from her nerves...however, way to country for I am I said..Shile she did perform it well, I didn't FEEL THE MUSIC.! What a shame.
While David Cook is not my favorite on the show, I have to say, he did the best job of making me believe he FELT it.
In short, I believe these performers are to shallow..all stuck in the music they know and are safe with...David Cook, ROCK, Brooke, COUNTRY, Jason, Ragaee? Sayeesha. JAZZ or Rythmn and Blues
Come on guys there is a WORLD of music out there, get creative! More importantly
FEEL IT!!! Listen to the words..maybe that is the problem, so many songs today have words that you just can;t hear or understand.

This year I have to say may be my last for American Idol
Very dissapointed.

My advice to them wouold be listen and feel...