'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.

[onemomwhosnuts]

I believe the song Brooke sang was "You Must Love Me." Carly already had her chance (to the tune of $2 million) and shouldn't even be a contestant. These are the six most boring contestants in AI history and I can't imagine any of them having a lasting recording career. One of my favorite shows has jumped the shark!

[Paul, Philadelphia, PA]

Loved the article.

I just don't get the David Cook hoopla. He is occasionally pleasant, but for me, never great. I thought the breakthrough surprise last night was Syesha's performance and singing. I can now imagine her doing quite well in a Broadway show. And it doesn't really matter whether you win or lose... just ask Jennifer Hudson.

[Lou]

dvb- I'm with you on David A.! He shows no versatility whatsoever and every song really does sound the same. The judges have blasted other contestants for exactly the same thing!
I also get the feeling he is being coached to say "cute" and "adorable" things--sometimes it just seems like a line and not any real emotion.
He is a very talented singer with an excellent voice, but I for one would not buy a CD where every song was exactly the same.

[Ann]

dvb, I totally agree with you. I'm not sure if the judges haven't quite picked up on it, or if they are just trying to ensure that he wins. I think it's very strange how they make such a big deal about him (especially Randy), when all his songs do tend to sound alike. He has no charisma either. I think he has a very pleasant voice and appears to be a sweet guy, but that's it.

[Mary]

I, for one, love your Idol columns. I read them as written with a sense of play and tongue in cheek rather than the seriously florid way that some others are taking it. Try reading it as a fun approach, folks. Its much more enjoyable that way.

Keep it up, Richard. You are my favorite of the Idol commentators.

[Ann]

Paul, you don't get the David Cook hoopla? Besides having a great voice and stage presence, he is innovative and a risk-taker. He deserves to win. If he came out with a CD with just the songs he's done so far on Idol, I would surely buy it. I cannot say that about the other Idols.

[s]

J........Carly didn't do her song justice???? Have you seen JC Superstar?? She did a superb job. It was a much better performance than any other last night. Alas she won't win b/c the judges have their heads up David A's butt. He's much too sugary-sweet. Why they like him..............and diss Carly every week............is beyond me.

[Don]

"most electrifying performer in "American Idol" history"
Surely you did not to say this about Carly. She is the most clueless contestant to ever reach the Top 6.She has absolutely no understanding of the lyrics of any song she sings.She just gets out there and belts the words without any connection to them.

[maria]

The name of the song Brooke performed is "You Must Love Me" not "If You Loved Me." I'm amazed at the number of internet reviewers who can't even get the name of the songs right. Most of what is written by reviewers is a matter of personal opinion....at least the factual information should be correct.

[Danny]

There are only 2 people with any chance whatsoever to win this competition and they are both named David. And the 9 year old isn't going to win it. It is really that simple.

[flashcadillac]

I have a serious case of perceptual disonance every time Randy starts
hyping the mono-talented David A. If you were to cut up the audio tapes
of David's performances and splice them together randomly, no one
would notice the transitions.

[Brandon]

I do believe that Brooke's song was "You Must Love Me", not "If you love me". I guess that error was missed during editing.
Nice article though.
Why so little talk of the David's? I would have like to read your view on their songs, especially Archuleta's pop remake of "Think of Me"

[Richard Rushfield]

Thanks to those who pointed out my mistake on the "You Must Love Me" title. It is fixed now.

[dvb]

Ann ... you are so right about Randy !

[john]

Most of the idols had no clue there was a story behind the songs? David A., Brooke and the Buzzed Jason Castro didn't have the good sense to google the shows and run this factoid down after they heard "musical THEATER"?! American Idiots!

[groovesmoothy]

The way they're gonna fall.

1. David C. should be the winner this season. He is talented and offers the best all around package from a marketing perspective.

2. Carly gets dogged because she deserves it. She will never be a serious stage performer in spite of her stellar voice. She sounded awesome last night but as usual couldn't even speak she was so out breath after one song. She needs more than that if she's ever going to do two shows nightly in Vegas.

3. David A. belongs on Disney, not Idol. He's got a good voice but he make Clay seem cool. I taste vomit every time he gets creepy shy when little girls squeal his name. Not cute at all.

4. Syesha was the bomb last night but she is way to unpredictable and won't stay around much longer.

5. Jason (my favorite) is probably the first person ever on Idol who's album I would actually buy.

Bye-bye Brook, Paula was wrong last night but she did suck the most. I love her when she played and sang but everyone's time must come...

Overall While I have trouble arguing against the idea that this is the most talented entire group, I think it will produce one of the weakest winners. They are all talented but there are no superstars in the bunch. In the end I really hope that this year the top two get to sing songs that don't make me want to hang myself after shooting my TV. I truly thought they could never find crappier songs than those from the first 5 seasons but last year was so vial I almost didn't watch this season at all. Not only must the songs not suck but they need to tailor the songs to each contestant not just the one they want to win.

PS They jumped the shark last night after 6 1/2 seasons of dogging people for sounding too caberet/ musical theatre.

[Idler]

Is anyone else surprised that not one of the women attempted the song "I Don't Know How To Love Him", from JCSS. If I remember, it was a fairly popular billboard song back in the day.

[clemycali]

dvb I agree with you, David A is sweet like a bombon but he is so boring. Plus, I might add that teen idols have a very short life in show business. So, from a recordin company point of view he can sell 1 record, have a few hits, cover-ups, and thats about it. The 12-13 years old girls are going to look for something more grown up and the next generation of tweenis is going to see the "choisen one" as old stuff.
Personally I like David Cook but I don't know if he is enough main stream to win. But for sure he'll have a great career.

[bardgal]

While I love most of ALW's works, I have always hated Cats. I especially hated Memory until I say Betty Buckley (who sang it on Broadway) sing it on the Tonys. Then I understood: the song never worked for me because every time anyone sang it, they'd belt it. The character singing the song is a very old, very fragile cat in the twilight of it's life. Yes, there should be emotion, heart-wrenching emotion, but belting the song belies a physical strength that isn't there because there isn't any left. Strength of character, yes, strength of being, of course. That's what makes that song so simple and beautiful. Last night Jason nailed it for me. I sat on my sofa and sobbed my head off because he reminded me of my precious little boy cat who, after 15 years of loving me, I had to send to the kitty angels two years ago. He was my heart. I've already pre-ordered Jason's studio version on iTunes.

As for the rest, Syesha surprised me. Loved it.
Brooke: This is the second time she's started over. At this point, she needs to be able to wing it if she makes a mistake. Sell the mistake and make it work. She needs to step up and be a pro.
David A: I don't get it. He has a speech impediment, and is soooo boring. I was surprised by the song, because I thought him singing Think of Me would be a train wreck and it was actually good, but it was still the same thing he does every week.. boring balladzzzzzzzzzz. He also forgot the lyrics, so why do they keep giving him a pass?
Carley rocked the house and the boys (Simon & Randy) need to wake up.
David Cook. WOW. Gets better every week.

[SMith Smithson]

"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."

Are you serious? This is a TV singing competition. It is entertaining, but it's barely art. Immortals? Geez.

This story is the definitional battle of overwriting.

[that girl]

I would buy a CD by Carly. I would buy a CD by David Cook. I would probably buy a CD by ason Castro too. I am neutral on Syesha. I would NOT buy a CD by David A. as I would expect every song to sound the same. I might download a fabulous and inspiring single of his however. But then again, I am not in the massive demographic AI is marketing too...David A is. So, there you have it. This is not a singing competition, afterall.

[Walter Walterson]

"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? "

Becuase this show is not in the heavens. It is a nice, fine little TV show. There ain't nothing heavenly about it. Yikes - what would your review of something really great read like?

[Walter]

With the notable exception of Syesha and maybe David Cook, it baffles me as to how the contestants knew so little about the songs they were singing. The gender bending song choices made Baron Webber visibly cringe - as it should. I know these are just kids, but come on kids! At least watch one of the millions of Webber musical dvds out there before choosing a song! Jason was the worst offender by far, followed closely by David A. and Carly. All three should have been gonged before they started.

And a more general observation, why is it that only Randy picks up on the "tone thing", and even then only part of the time? Syesha has never kept a tune, Carly is a tuning nightmare, and Brooke should take another class or two. At least the other three can carry a tune for a whole song which should be a prerequisite to get this far. Makes me wonder if you screaming fans have screamed your ears off...

[Tom]

Dear Mr Rushfield:

Simon and Randy are not hard enough on the Irish professional singer. What's amazing about her is she seems to sing staccato. Ever notice how she runs out of air? Ever notice how she cuts her "big notes" so short that the back up singers finish them for her? Look back at the last three weeks, then compare her ability to hold a note to little David, Big David or Syesha. While some say she's a big note signer, the replays just don't support that. She has run out of air and will soon run out of chances.

Best wishes for a worthy idol,

Tom

[bardgal]

groovesmoothy - I agree 100%.

[Dennis Grayson]

Hate to say it but Carly, Brook and Jason will be in the bottom 3 with Carly or maybe Brook going home tonight.

[Val]

By the way for the David Cook and Carly fans on this site, since you love them so much, treat yourselves already to their CD's they are on sale. Enjoy their established talent. David Cook shouts out loudly enough to move a building. Knock yourselves out. Don't wake up your neighbors, personally I already downloaded music I can relax with and enjoy incredible vocals from AI Itunes, guess whose DAVID ARCHULETA our new American Idol a real role model for all of us. And yes, I am in my 40's haha not a teen.

[auramac]

I do believe that although Brooke had been given the OK the first time she stopped and restarted, at this stage it shouldn't have happened again. However, if you forget the false start, what about the singing? Hers is my favorite voice, and she is my favorite.. I believe young David will eventually win, and although both Syeesha and Carly were the most ebulliant and confident I think I've seen them be yet- neither have any soul. ALW complimented Brooke on her ability as an actress- to me, she projects emotion that is already in her. No act. Most popular music today is sterile and gymnastic. You can have your Carlys and your Mariahs. Oddly enough, the person on that stage with the deepest reservoir in her voice and soul is Brooke. And it'll show up on records, when she is control of her emotions and environment. There is more to all this than just technigue.

[Grover Liese]

Pretentious, orotund blather.

[Michelle]

I too really enjoy Carly's performances - her voice is beautiful, and she delivers strong confident performances. Unfortunately, she cannot get a break from the judges. I don't understand it. I also fear, as mentioned by Jose, that Carly will make it to number 3rd at best, as did Melinda Doolittle (which killed me, I loved her performances!). Sayesha did brilliantly last night (that was a first). And Jason and Brooke, blegh - someone send them home!

[Tom Skinner]

I love Carly's voice in the middle registers---it's rich and wonderful. But when she belts it out up high, it's like nails on a chalkboard. And the judges have noticed, more than once.

[frank mara]

I love music and all artistic talent but totally disagree with you. This year lacks good singers. Syesha cannot sing well. Jason tries but misses as a singer. Brooke is such a poor singer it says something when she is in top six. Carly also rubs me the wrong way and her screaming is not singing. Last night was loud but the notes were atrocious. The two Davis's are the closest we get to singers. David Cook is original and sings well. He did not try to be original last night. David A is superlative in many songs and was original last night. As he matures he will become a huge star.If they were not on American Idol no one would like to hear Syesha, Jason , Brooke and especially not Carly. I hope next season will be better.

[The David's have it]

Syesha deserved a bit more praise than your article indicated. The David's remain strong. I'm not going to even comment on how out of their element Brooke and Jason were. As for your girl, Carly, you might want to play back your DVR. She started out strong and I thought "Okay, finally the performance I knew she had in her will reveal itself tonight." Then she forgot the lyrics, started to sing off-key in a sort or screetch mode. Sorry, I don't think it was the performance you wanted it to be.

[PEPPER]

As I see it:
1. David Cook
2. Lil' David A. (aka 'the Beav')
3. Syesha
4. Carly
5. Brooke
6. Jason

Jason goes tonight, I think. He needs to stick with the ukelele or with songs that fit his skill set. He will do well as time progresses. Brooke unfortunately has allowed the stress and her anxiety - and her not overly hidden dislike of Simon: she has let him affect her too much - get to her and it is hurting her. Too bad because she is indeed very talented and will succeed professionally. Carly, my favorite, reaches a note pitch, which transitions her vocals to screaming. She is indeed good and can make it to the top three, but Syesha's performance last evening showed that she has a spot on Broadway (Remember Dreamgirls, the movie version?).

OK: David A. Every time I see him, the theme song of "Leave It To Beaver" comes to mind. There isn't a performance that occurs, with Randy comencing with the gushing whereby lil' David flips into his "Aw shucks, golly gee, Wally" ,feet shuffle performance. That's tough to watch, because he is over-rated by all three "judges (there really is only one who may qualify for that moniker). I suspect that they see david A. as "Money": more than the otehrs. As others have noted, he will do great on the Disney Channel and at Disney World, but sooner or later the 12 and 13 year old girls have got to get off their cell phones, keying in their votes for him, and finish their homework.

David Cook did well; he has training for broadway-type songs and it showed. I was surprised because I did not think that he had the 'stuff', but he did well with his own version which sounded remarkably like broadway renditions that I have heard.

Carly: Her stock can rise if the camera stops panning over to Mr. Tattoo. He is gawd-awful looking and she loses votes as a result. (I am assuming that the votes are the prevailing force, but the executive producers really have the final say.) Ergo, Carly's husband is hurting her chances.

Kids: Please stop your incessant voting for 'The Beav" - go clean your rooms!

[ck]

I thought Brooke would sing "I Don't Know How to Love Him." Too bad no one told her to. She would've sung it beautifully and saved herself some embarrassment. Starting last week Jason proved his limitations. He's a pleasent coffee-house singer, that's it. He reminds me of Livingston Taylor, James' brother. Carly performed well for Carly, but she shouts; her voice never sounds pretty. David A. is boring and showing his youth more and more. Syesha did great and likely will be cast in a Broadway play. The only one who has sung a variety of different songs in a variety of ways throughout this competition is David Cook. And he's done them ALL well, some brilliantly, in fact. The top two finalists should been David Cook and Michael Johns. With Johns gone, everyone one pales in comparison to David Cook.

[Daniel]

Am I the only one that doesn't actually like Carly? Sure she has a good voice, but her face bugs the crap out of me. She always looks angry when she belts out a note. Also, except for last night, she always does that awkward stance with her legs more than shoulder-width apart swaying with the music. On another note, David A. finally opened his eyes for once. Jason's not the best vocalist but he's got more appeal than Carly or David A. as a solo artist. And finally, who ever made the comment about Carly being this season's Melinda Dolittle, they are partially right because Melinda also bugged the crap out of me. Her head was too big and had no neck, it was frightening to watch.

[Trisha]

I have a problem with the entire show this year as it places new talented amateurs such as Jason Castro against seasoned pros who have had record contracts prior to this competition. I honestly enjoyed the concept that American Idol was a search for previously undiscovered talent; ie: an amateur talent contest. However, this season, several of the contestants are professional singers who have already had recording contracts! Outrageous! For example,..."Under a different name, Smithson was an Irish singing sensation, signed to a six-record deal with MC records in 1999. In total, the label invested more than $2 million in her....Michael Johns, formerly a band front man named Michael Lee, had a record deal five years ago.... Kristi Lee Cook also signed a recording deal in 2001." I feel deceived by this and the show has lost my trust. I honestly believe people like Carly Smithson who already had a million dollar record deal, tarnishes the image of American Idol as a search for AMATEUR talent. What a fraud! I refuse to vote for these fake "amateurs" who have enjoyed their secret advantage. The fact that they have actually changed their names to sneak in as 'AMATEURS' is shameful.

[Trisha]

If American Idol is going to start pitting professionals against amateurs then they need to be up-front and honest about it so people can judge apples to apples instead of comparing a new, raw talent to experienced, seasoned professionals.

I don't condemn the concept, I am angry about the lie that disguised it.

[Sherry]

Thanks Richard, for an educated, enlightened view of American Idol fervor. Having been a performing musician myself, I find that, to its credit, AI has become an unequaled opportunity for talent to be discovered in a way that has gone beyond any other incarnation of "talent contests". It draws from the patchwork of American towns and cities, both small and large, and eventually narrows the playing field down to a dozen or so of some of the most uniquely appealing & talented young singers ... some of whom we might never get to hear otherwise.

That said, I wonder just how many of our current recording acts would survive such pressure and scrutiny every week in front of millions ... not to mention the judges' critcisms. Although we all have our favorite contestants, I applaud the notice you gave to Carly Smithson's exemplary vocals, as well as your mention of the judges harsh reactions to her recent performances. May the voting public keep Carly in the running regardless of the judges' negativity. She is a special and well deserving talent who we've gotten "to know" along with the other finalists. Regardless of the eventual "winner", I look forward to purchasing future recordings of hers and others that were in the original Top 12. All of the contestants still left standing have given it their all - and given us a chance to rise and fall with them ... from the emotional high of cheering them on - to feeling our hearts sink when they've hit the "bottom three". Not being a fan of reality shows, I have to admit this is one show that is a cross generational inspiration, if you can look past the marketing machinery that drives most current reality TV.

[lala]

You really are quite off base if you think Carly won the night with that screechy, yelly, off-key, hesitant, lyric-forgetting performance. I won't even get into the overwriting of this whole column.

[Ashtonian]

It's a good article because it details why the show is the big success that it is. I just think that there are few readers that would appreciate the good writing this article has, and some comments have proved this to be true. Those comments display the same mental capacity as Jason, who once again reverted to being a bit thick.

[Bozo]

Carly has a big voice but lacks sincerity and depth, so your paen surprised me. I cringed while she belted out Superstar as a loud, catchy dance tune, displaying zero understanding of the meaning and with no emotion. Superstar is not a song of slavish devotion. I have not seen one performance from her that has anything happening behind the eyes, as it were.

David Cook is the only remaining performer who consistently shows depth, intelligence and creativity. He doesn't thrill me, but give the man his due.

Oh, I do miss Melinda Doolittle. Now THAT was talent. Check out Funny Valentine on youtube and tell me if there is anyone this season who can touch that. The Idols this season have been embarrassing to watch, with only occasional flashes of excitement.

[brad]

The reason Carly shouldn't get good comments from the judges, let alone even be on the show, is because she had a multi-million dollar record deal prior to American Idol. For someone who has been into the business before (and only sold 300 records, mind you) to be accepted onto American Idol as a young, unknown talent is absolutely ludicrous.

[brad]

Also, David Cook's excuses for performances (half of which are actually previously made covers, a fact to which he does not give proper credit) are so sickeningly trendy and dripping with arrogance that my brain literally shuts down when I see his countenance.

[Jim]

Bye Brooke.

I would rather shove glass in my ears than hear another David A. vocal performance.
Ditto on Castro - easily the worst performer to ever be on any Idol season.

Carly needs to start using her talent, I think she is probably much better than the level she is performing at so far.

David Cook - Congratulations as the winner of this season.

[Mary]

"Definitional" geez, how about "defining" as in "defining moment"? Bigger words and/or a thesaurus in the lap don't make you sound smarter.

DavidA flubbed lyrics, Carly flubbed lyrics and just SCREAMED, she can't ever take it down a few notches to save her life. Brooke cracked and then was just was deer-in-the-headlights (as she should be...), her fake pouty pathetic Emo-act is just getting old, old, old. DavidC broke all the glasses in my kitchen with that great high note.

Sorry, with little exception, the only reason ALW 'enslaves an audience' is that they can't figure out how to chew their way through the restraints (Starlight Express...)

[Jeanie Borchelt]

David Archuleta should and will win American Idol. It is a singing contest and he has the purest and best voice of all the singers. He is only 17 and his voice will only get better. He needs and deserves American Idol to help him with his career. The other contestants will probably all get a recording contract of some sort and do not need to win American Idol.

[pifcat]

Richard,

Thanks for stating the not so obvious Carly Smithson as the most electrifying performer in "American Idol" history. She has the talent and qualities that AI needs to break their prior molds and gain a more sophisticated audience. This season has higher quality singers due to prior exposure or professional experience. If no one had it in their mind to be great and didn't do everything they possibly could to achieve it, AI would continue to crown mediocre winners. I believe this season will yield at least 3 to 4 commercial successes win or "lose".

[SoapFan57]

When is Sir Paul gonna make the date? Talk about a huge influence in music!

[Chuck]

It's interesting to listen to the perspective of someone who has drunk the Carly kool-aid.

I couldn't disagree more. She has proven herself dense throughout the competition. She's tone-deaf to constructive criticism, can't pick a decent song to save her life ("but i LOVE that song!"), shows zero respect for songwriters and just seems to worship at the altar of her own poweful voice. Sorry, but that's just not enough.

There is but one king this year, and that's David Cook. His smart choices, powerful voice and stylish delivery will take him all the way.

#2 is Archuleta. The little girls will make it so. And, face it, the kid can sing the paint off the walls.

#3 is most likely Jason Castro.

I don't think any of the three girls remaining deserve to stay a moment longer.

And, I agree...while this has been a solid year for talent, this is not a "best class ever" year.

But, I think the argument could be made that David Cook will sell as much product as Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood (whomever has sold more).

[George Kaplan]

And tonight was yet another baffling elimination.

No spoilers here, only to say the results become more irrelevant every week when worthy contestants are in the bottom vote totals and lesser talents continue on unscathed to the next week's competition.

I think we are just one week closer to this year's Taylor Hicks, while those who are let go will become the Daughtrys of 2008's class.

[Susan]

I honestly thought that American Idol was supposed to be a talent contest; but after tonight I find that it is merely a popularity contest. Anyone with any musical talent knows that the bottom two should have been Brooke and Jason. Neither of them have any where near as much talent as Carly and Syesha. America, are we really going to let popularity make us look like fools? We must start voting for the Idol with the best voice rather than who looks cutest or acts so pathetically hurt by the judges opinions.

[Jill]

I have bought a number of songs from this season's idol contestants on iTunes, and it is interesting to listen to them. David Archuleta's songs are boring and leaden, Carly has a gorgeous voice but on the show I couldn't stand her personality (angry and not likeable until this week - voted off anyway!!), David Cook's "Eleanor Rigby" is haunting and great, and Syesha singing "Yesterday" - I can't get it out of my head, it is one of my favorite songs right now. Jason is adorable, but can you say "Sanjaya?" The real test for these young singers is whether they can make it commercially, and I put my money on Syesha and David Cook, hands down. Listen to "Eleanor Rigby" and "Yesterday" if you don't agree.

[Bunnis]

American Idol has lost 3 dedicated viewers after tonight's vote. How disgusting!! This is a farce now. Who is voting????? I understand viewership is down from previous shows. I can understand why. When incredible talent is voted off, we are done watching.

[Daren]

I am no longer a American Idol fan after that bull$hitt vote that keep's Brook safe for another week. She was horrible. AI is now a joke.

[LVGRAMPS]

Jason is the one with the least talent, it baffles me that he is so popular.
Must be the hair.

[clairee de lune]

I'm 55 years old and a trained muscian. My only comment is.... Brooke is a joke! And it's so sad Carly was voted off......

[SARA]

My husband and I disagreed about Carly. I thought the "Superstar" performance degenerated into shouting on her part. I thought the song didn't particularly do anything to showcase her vocals. I was also wonderfing if many in America didn't care to keep hearing "Jesus Christ," over and over until it sounded rather like she was taking the Lord's name in vain (I'm not particularly relgious myself, but with her style of shout singing combined with the repetition of the name of Jesus Christ, I'm speculating that some might have become supconsciously turned off at the performance. Who knows?

That said, I didn't particularly care for Seyesha's performance either. The girl has talent, I just think it was over done, and I didn't here the pitch or vocals that I think would have made the performance a possible winner.

After Wednesday's performance, I predicted to my husband that it would be down to Carly and Seyesha. I just didn't know which would go.

[sara]

Sorry for the typos in my post--I thought I hit preview but it just posted. Anyway, I just read a few more of your comments. I was thinking exactly the same thing about Brooke being much more successful if she had chosen "I Don't Know How to Love Him." It's a beautiful song and I think her voice would have been well suited to him. Great minds and all!

I think one of the Davids will be the ultimate winner, probably most likely Cook. Unfortunately, I really don't see any of the women coming close to either of them.

Perhaps America just isn't ready for a highly tatooed female singer who doesn't seem to really pull off a performance. Her belting style and facial contortions (see the picture from the article above) don't make for a good mix IMO. She seems to be more concerned with her own feelings and experiences. She kept going on about how she had so much fun on the stage with the song. That's great, but it's not about you, Carly. You're performing for the audience. Many of us unfortunately didn't enjoy the performance as much as you did.