'American Idol' Tracker: Titans of song battle Andrew Lloyd Webber

Since the cornerstones of the Idoldome were set, it has been written that one day, six singers must pass this way before the show could fulfill its destiny.

In taking on the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, "American Idol" came face to face with its spiritual creator, the man who elevated vocal performance to the level of spectacle.  History has been filled with singing competitions, but until Lord Webber transformed the stage, the idea of singing as single combat -- a combat to master one’s soul and to enslave an audience -- would have been impossible. 

But while "American Idol" may have been shaped in the passed-down image of the master, the show has needed time to work its way back to its creator, teaching its contestants to crawl before they can fly with pop tunes and songbook standards.

It is fitting then that now, seven years in, the strongest cast in "Idol" history should be chosen to fight this battle, gazing upon the unalloyed "Idol" text, opening the Arc of the Covenant and seeing whose heart is pure enough to stare into the face of creation.

And for this season, "Andrew Lloyd Webber night" will clearly mark the year’s definitional battle, the night which showed at last who is destined for "Idol" immortality (and the final three) and who has officially written a check their skills can’t pay.  Some who faltered tonight will survive to fight on, but having glimpsed the eternal and fallen short, they will never walk with the pride of the innocent again. 

As Lord Webber made clear, the challenge of tonight was not just to belt out “money notes,” but to connect with a song, with the character behind it and use it to tell a story.  Raw vocal talent has gotten them all this far, to the dizzying heights of Idoldom, but to make these last steps will call for something much more scarier -- emotional depth.

It was a night of pomp in the Idoldome, with the harp-equipped band set up on stage. Music director Rickie Minor walked the floor in formal wear and His Lordship Himself joined us in the audience.  As the evening turned out, His Lordship proved to be the greatest of Idol mentors. His Lordship actually worked with and shaped the contestants, to the point of demanding different songs, rather than merely dispensing good wishes as some previous mentors have contented themselves to do.

However, with the crowd near a fever pitch as the season enters the final stretch, tension hung in the air. The night opened with a rousing performance from Syesha Mercado -- enjoyable, and keeps her certainly alive, but ultimately, still lacking the intensity to take her all the way. 

Jason Castro and Brooke White both showed that they have risen to about where they belong.  Both had strong appeal in their niches and have won legions of admirers, but when this last push was demanded, it was a bridge too far.  Brooke in particular, seems to have the Idoldome on edge with concern for her, her fragility so nakedly on display.  After being upbraided by Paula for having to restart her version of "You Must Love Me," one could have heard a false eyelash drop clear in the bleachers.  Sadly, talented though she is, she gives the impression on coming undone in these recent weeks.

While challenges serve to bring some to their knees, they serve to bring out greatness in others.  For the front-runners -- the two Davids -- they once again managed to inhabit their songs to a supernatural degree.  But to the crowd, the night was a clear, unadulterated victory for this column’s candidate Carly Smithson, the most electrifying performer in "American Idol" history.  Tonight at last, with "Jesus Christ Superstar," everything fell into place for Carly, and it is fitting that Idol’s spiritual godfather should have warned her off a major false step and guided her to her greatest success. 

However, it must be said at this point that Carly cannot seem to get a break with the judges. Randy and Simon seem to be on a mission to deny her the just praise she deserves. Even on this night, while praising the brilliance of her work, their plaudits remained tempered, Randy claiming it wasn’t her best, and Simon delivering the very strange backhanded compliment that it was one of his favorites of the night (there had been all of four at this point). 

While I will not demand an investigation yet, and while I support the constitutional right of judges to their opinions, I demand some sort of system of instant replays, or bonus voting be instituted to recompense Carly for an undue damage done to her prospects.  But as ever, this column has complete faith in the wisdom of the electorate to make this right.

What is happening now to the contestants is that those who survive are completing the process of icon building. It is a source of fascination that in this era when fame is our ultimate commodity, the "Idol" stars draw more attention and fascination than any A-list screen actor.  I recently heard of a story of one of this season’s survivors visiting a local Westside mall -- a showbiz-friendly locale where Brad and Angelina could go underwear shopping attracting barely a raised eyebrow -- and that the "Idol" was mobbed and gawked at by seemingly the entire place.

In a recent New Yorker essay on the changing nature of stardom, David Denby discusses how stars of yore, before we knew every intimate detail of the every actor’s life, became vessels for the roles they inhabited.  He wrote: “At some point, however, an actor's looks and temperament would merge with a role that brought out, perhaps, an underlay of humor or menace, and the public would take notice, get excited, and the actor would become a star. The actor then imposed a unifying temperament on his characters; he became the characters, they became him, and any given performance offered a palimpsest of his past performances. Everything he had done since he assumed his ‘type’ trailed him like a ghost.”

In an era when we can recite more about our performers’ drunken debauchery then about what roles they have played, "American Idol" is the only star-making machine we have. It is the one place where those contestants, at least those savvy enough to feel their way through it, can -- on a stage that is at once public and yet controlled (not unlike the old studios) -- piece by piece, song by song, create personas for themselves as compelling to us today as the types inhabited by Bogart or Cary Grant in their time.   

Through rigorous song choices, performances on stage and in the filmed glimpses they offer into their families and homes, these singers can create characters that become bigger than their mortal shells. And each time they sing a number that touches the audience, that impact serves to make the persona grow and grow.

In confronting Lord Webber, the final six had their greatest opportunity yet to draw a richer, deeper shaper to their persona, and for those who rose to their challenge, they are on the cusp of a place where their stars are about to soar into the heavens to sit among the immortals evermore.

Special Note:  Please join me for an online chat tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon PDT at chat.latimes.com

--Richard Rushfield

(photo courtesy of Fox)

Comments

[Rain]

I don't agree about Carly Smithson. I think she comes across with a big chip on her shoulder and is very awkward on stage. Something about her rubs me the wrong way. I also can't believe how many times she has screwed up lyrics to different songs. She even screwed up on last nights lyrics, anyone else catch that?

[Miss Nina Srao]

My Dear Mr. Rushfield,

What an absolute joy it was to read your article this morning. Were you inspired by the subject matter or is this the normal calibre of your work? I live in the UK and had never seen American idol before this year. I watch this season by pure and gleeful serendipidy - and with mounting pleasure I might add.
New to the experience I do not yet suffer from the normal cynicism and weariness displayed by many online reviewers which often makes the task of gleaning reaction to the performances a souless chore. I am facinated and inspired by the contestants endeavours and intrigued by the machinery that surrounds them. The drama and the spectacle draw me in and the glimpses into their personal lives and characters add to my emotional investment.
Standing on the sidelines cheering them on (I have promoted myself from passive observer) I cannot help but to ponder in relation to my own self questions the contestants are been forced to confront publically on a weekly basis: questions regarding identity, courage and expectation.
I am not a writer so cannot really summarise sufficiently here. I would like to say that my interest in the competion has led me (for the purposes of research) to some unexpected places: I have recently discovered the phenomena that are Fan Forums. My English vocabulary is steadily increasing.
Apparently 'David Cook is a Rawk Gawd and I heart him' I concur.

Thank you again for your article.

MIss Nina Srao

[F. Gil Patel]

Richard Rushfield is a loser. This is such an over-written analysis. Relax buddy. The tone was just so dramatic. It reads as if he's trying very hard to conjure Webber in this sad excuse for a column.

[Walt]

While Brooke's performance was not of the same quality as Syesha, David and David, and Carly, Jason's performance was extraordinarily painful to watch. "Train wreck" would be a mild understatement, and if there is any justice, this will have been his last performance, but I believe that Brooke will be next to go.

By the way, Richard, "more scarier"?? My 9th grade English teacher just rolled over in her grave.

[Patty]

I for sure think its Brooke that’s going home tonight. But I really think the best part of the night was when Carly busted out that Simon Loves Me t-shirt. I actually just found where you can buy them. Not sure if anyone else is looking, but they also have a Randy and Paula one. I bet the other contestants had those shirts just in case. I saw David Cook had a shirt in his pocket. Anyways, here’s where I got the shirt:

http://www.simonlovesmetshirt.com

Do you think people are paying the contestants to wear shirts like that, so that people will see them. Seems like a cheap way to advertise to me. Any thoughts on that?

Pat

[Steve Body]

I'm mystified, first off, by the mantra-like chanting of "this strongest season ever". Must agree to disagree, I guess. But one observation: As someone who has been involved in musical theatre for over 25 years, both as an actor-singer and a director, I'm baffled why, at this point in the season - and after harping on these poor kids about "pitchiness" endlessly and rewarding dynamics so richly - they chose to throw them into the lion's den of musical theatre, where great singing is NEVER the point. Acting is ALWAYS more important, especially in Webber's music, than great vocals. In directing, in fact, I've told my leads maybe thirty times over the years to stop worrying about hitting every note right and just sell the story. Lord knows Terrance Mann, Betty Buckeley, and most of the great ALW interpreters (prime exception Sarah Brightman), were NOT even capable of making it as pop song interpreters. I knew, from note one of David Archuleta's reworking, that the judges would LOVE it, while I sat and squirmed, wishing I could scrub that soul-pop defaut out of his little brain with a Brillo pad. And Brooke, IMHO, was a LOT more effective for being "off-balance". The character in the play is "off-balance" when singing it. It needed vulnerability and a dose of fear and that's what she gave it, whether intentionally or not. LOVED Carly but then I usually do. I just think Andrew Lloyd Webber is a Big Load to ask these kids to carry, especially after dragging all of them in the exact opposite direction for half a season.

[George Kaplan]

First of all: Richard--take a knee and catch your breath. Your writing is hyper-inflated, even by the standards you've set here previously. This is only "American Idol" you're describing.

Second: The proper designation is Lord Lloyd-Webber (or, if you prefer, Baron Lloyd-Webber). His name would not be hyphenated when simply written (Andrew Lloyd Webber), but it properly hyphenated when referring to his peerage. More to the point, his last name is "Lloyd Webber" and not simply "Webber".

[Jose Arribas]

Richard, I love Carly too but alas it appears that she is doomed to be this year's Melinda Dolittle and finish third (at best). I love to see a Carly versus David (take your pick) final but I just don't think so.

[acme916]

Mr Rushfield:

This is the first column from you that I've read and, surely, it will be my last. A tad overdramatic don't you think? "Definitial battle", "'Idol' immortality", "glimpsed the eternal"? As the previous writer commented, I'm not sure if you are trying to emulate Lloyd-Webber thematic songs, but if that were the case ... you failed. Let's tone it down a bit.

[a.b.]

What mystifies me is the belief that Carly is the "most electrifying performer in 'American Idol' history." Dude, you are not a very good judge of talent. She has a strong voice but she is way too lacking in personality to even be considered one of the 10 top performers in the show's history.

[ajay ess]

These are all very talented performers. Not everyone can be an all-rounder (in fact I would contend that no one should be that 'perfect'). There should be no mud-slinging for any of their talents. The mud-slinging should be at the way the program creators and media check-book-writers manipulate the outcomes. The idol will be David Archuleta, He is totally marketable as an angelic faced talented youngster who has a solid family and religious background. That is the mold from which all Idols have been selected as winners in the past. Carly's husband has tatoo's all over his body...not a good image for the media controllers who want to portray America as good and clean and moral. Likewise, no Idol will ever be from a major metropolitan city - they must be from pure small towns that exude the 'real' America (according to the gospel of those who control such decisions). They will ensure that the genre's of song will always suit their chosen one. I watch the show because these kids are talented and enjoyable. I do not assume pure political democracy is in action - manipulation of our lives continue at an ever increasing pace by the spin doctors of government, large corporations and the media they control. Support your favourite with your dollars - buy their CD's when they come out. To hell with the fake and make believe world of American Idol....

[Lisa]

For an entertainment writer, you sure do manage to miss some very important performance issues. Syesha opened at the wrong tempo and missed a few notes near the end, David A. didn't have the breath to support all the notes AND managed to mangle the lyrics, and Carly both missed the lyrics (look it up if you doubt me) and fell into her habit of shrieking as the song built. And Paula's right about Brooke, live performers DO NOT get do-overs!! As for Jason, yea, he has a sweet voice and delivery, but he needs about a year of professional training to be ready for what's next. Cook, on the other hand, delivered a surprisingly good vocal performance, considering it was out of his 'brand'. Overall, all of them could use more vocal coaching and, other than Syesha, some performance training.

[crabpaws]

"Their stars are about to soar into the heavens to sit among the immortals evermore" -- a little much for 15 minutes of fame, don't you think?

That said, David Cook is my fave, but I think he sang his Lloyd Webber piece rather carefully, which was a relief, but failed to convey the European slyness of the invitation.

Jason Castro's personality is so much fun to watch, I hope he doesn't get offed this round. How could you leave out his comment before he slaughtered "Memory" -- "I didn't know a cat was singing it."

[J]

How come nothing was said about David Cook???????????He was so wonderful

[Team Carly]

Richard,

I absolutely love reading your Idol reports week to week.

Brook's song from last night is actually titled: "You Must Love Me". Dare I say, I enjoyed her performance once she got it together. I liked her vocal better than her majesty's, Madonna and now I'm sure I'll be hunted down and shot by the Gay Mafia.

[Ayala]

"It was a night of pomp in the Idoldome..."

And apparently that pomp spread to the author of this article. Over-written, over-inflated and extremely pompous. Calm down, you're just writing about American Idol.

[j]

I'm sorry but I thought Carly was awful.she did not do that song justice at all..Seisha and David Cook were the best,and I don't really don't care for Seyesha because she sounds too much like W H ,Love love David Cook he is so well rounded...as a singer.He can do anything...and so humble ...,David A was not at his best last night either...

[Ann]

What's up with Randy claiming David A's performance was "the bomb"? It just about put me to sleep until Carly came on. I don't think she deserves to win (Go David Cook!), but her performance was electrifying and Randy's lackluster comments really irked me.

I think the creepy/weepy Brooke really needs to go tonight. When she started singing and faltered, even my 8-year-old gave me this wide-eyed look like she knew something was terribly wrong.

As usual, Simon's comments were mostly on target.

[MM]

My thoughts on the bottom three: Jason, Brooke and Carly (despite the fact that she did well). The David's already have a strong fan base that will pass them through, pretty much despite any major flubs (not that they've any). The only reason I picked Carly over Syesha is that Carly's performance was more the same while Syesha seemed to show an as-of-yet unseen connection with the audience. As for who will go home? That's up in the air. But I think Brooke should be worried.

[The General]

I swear there should be a secret password required to be able to read this blog. He's using literary devices to make the show sound more important that it really is ON PURPOSE. If you don't like it, GO ELSEWHERE.

Carly Forever!

[dvb]

Is it just me or does every performance by David A. sound and look EXACTLY the same ... and why havn't the judges picked up on this? .... While his voice is consistant ... he seems to be a one note singer .... he does one thing and one thing only .... and while I agree, some nights it does seem some of the singers may have a chip on there shoulder, at least they have a personality and it shows in their performance .... no so with David A. , no personality and it shows on stage! .... Sorry, just seems like he gets all the attention and not always deserved. I guarantee you, if one of the other contestants was as bland as David A. , the judges would have something to say about it.

[Jack]

"Strongest Idol cast"?

Oh PLEASE. These are a bunch of talentless, mirthless, self-serious hacks. Brooke's the only one with any real talent.

[AM]

Interesting review, but I had two challenges, one in your statement "It is fitting then that now, seven years in, the strongest cast in "Idol" history should be chosen to fight this battle, gazing upon the unalloyed "Idol" text, opening the Arc of the Covenant and seeing whose heart is pure enough to stare into the face of creation," which I'm certain is both questionably true (strongest cast) and certainly a bit melodramatic, and the second in your use of the word "definitional," for which I'm nearly certain you meant to write "definitive," which may or may not be true depending on how America votes.

[Richard Rushfield]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Indeed, as many have pointed out, I was at my most grandiose last night. But for those of you who think I've gone overboard, I ask you, how can you watch this dramatic spectacle, get caught up in the drama and not want to soar up to the heavens with it? Where are your hearts you people?

Gutzon Borland when he carved Mt. Rushmore said he wanted to work on a canvas as big as his subject, and so do I. And I only have a webpage to write on!

And thanks to George for his correction about the proper usage of last night's mentor's name. From now on Baron Lloyd Webber it is!

[Raymond]

What you wrote was so nice that I had an uncontrollable urge to say how great it is to read your words. I love reading your work.