'American Idol' Banter: Who are they really?

In the climactic moments of what should have been a thrill-inducing semifinal, the three most dutiful finalists ever to dominate "American Idol" fulfilled homeroom teacher Ryan Seacrest's opening descriptions so perfectly, one suspected the producers had slipped in animatronic replacements for the nervous wrecks we've seen the last couple of weeks.

Not that Seacrest's tags were that creative. He called David Archuleta "a high school student," Syesha Mercado "an actress," and David Cook "a bartender" -- that last one got a mortified guffaw from the Missouri rocker. But in a show devoted to song choices from the judges, the producers and the contestants themselves, the singers' most memorable performances mined the truth behind these simple labels.

Taking on Chris Brown's languidly anthemic "With You" as his personal song selection, Archuleta wobbled his hips like a duckling learning to mate and grinned with the glee of someone surprising himself. It was his least comfortable performance in weeks, full of vocal stumbles, and he did seem silly uttering the phrase "my boo" (It's an Afro-Caribbean term, popular in hip-hop songs, and our Mormon favorite is just not fly enough to pull it off.) But the song's awkward movements gave us something more important than his other two spot-on ballads could offer: a glimpse at a Pinocchio letting himself become a real boy, made of something other than beautifully polished wood.

That quick glimpse into the heart of goofy Archie -- who actually sees the girls screaming at his feet, and wants to touch their outstretched hands, and even steal a glance at one or two -- exposed a side different than this baby trouper projects when he's playing the balladeer. Chastised by the judges, Archuleta retreated behind his grown-up mask for his next number, a rigorously sincere version of Dan Fogelberg's wedding song, "Longer."

It takes years for some pop prodigies to get beyond craft and risk vulnerability; Mariah Carey, for example, didn't go there until she was nearly 30. Whether he wins "Idol" or gets booted off for this slip into joyful amateurism, Archuleta probably won't let that high school self through much; he's destined for a more Josh Groban-esque intergenerational appeal. Yet for all his musical gifts, he's going to have to go through many growing pains before he gains depth as an artist. And to grow, you have to start out young. (Ask Michael Jackson.)

Syesha Mercado's revelatory moment, also on her personal song choice, asserted showbiz artifice with as much earnestness as Archuleta showed trying to be a real teen. The judges slammed her for choosing the cabaret standard "Fever," but none of their reasons held up. Had Randy, Paula and Simon ever heard of Amy Winehouse, or seen Queen Latifah in "Chicago," they might realize that these days a retro style is as commercially viable as anything else.

Can those three tolerate even the slightest self-assertion on the part of their talent pool? They've given Syesha bad advice every step of the way, curbing her lounge-friendly, jazz-flirty tendencies and pushing her toward an overwrought "sincerity" that contradicts her strengths. Since her main talent is brainy interpretation, she's adapted to their suggestions, but lately she's realized that her instincts were right all along. She's been playing up her ability to transform, to use choreography and costume to assert herself instead of just aiming for big notes she can't own.

If she survives -- and the judges seemed desperate tonight to make sure she doesn't, dousing her in negativity while anointing the Davids -- Syesha will probably be even better next week. She's fulfilling that classic ingenue role, willing herself to stardom. All the debate about the value of amateurism that's haunted this season of "Idol" crumples under Syesha's shimmering stilettos. Unlike bashful David Archuleta and shoulder-shrugging David Cook, she acts like she was born to be on stage. And even if the judges' manipulations work and she's voted off before the final, she's not letting go of that spotlight anytime soon.

And what about the bartender? Cook's triumphs last night showed his mettle, too. Anyone in the rock world has known characters like him: talented and ambitious young men who aren't quite adventurous or weird enough to find a home in the underground, but who still believe in artistic integrity and the saving power of rock's grandiose noise. These guys often end up slinging mojitos for years as they figure out how to realize their dreams.

Watching Cook absorb the lessons that "Idol" has offered him has been one of the season's most edifying experiences. Though his loyalty to minor modern rock bands remains intact -- last night's song choice championed Switchfoot, a decent bunch of surfers who turned their Christian rock secular and had a hit or two a few years back -- Cook has lately been cultivating the pop-friendly glow of his more restrained vocal timbre. He's the rare contestant who has greatly improved under the judges' tutelage, and for that alone, he probably deserves to win.

Simon Cowell's selection for Cook this week was Ewan MacColl's time-stopping love song, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"; singing it, Cook harkened back to "Idol" mentor Andrew Lloyd Webber and let his inner drama club kid lead the way. Though not even close to the divine finesse of Roberta Flack's version, Cook's take was quietly gestural, not rock 'n' roll at all, but sexier and more beautiful because he curtailed the catharsis.

And he did get his explosive moment, on Diane Warren's genre-melting 1990s power ballad, "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," made famous by Aerosmith. The rococo arrangement didn't do him any favors; this should have been his chance to whip out the scarves and invoke the skeletal fierceness of Steven Tyler. At the very end, though, he pulled the microphone from the stand, pushed every ounce of air out of his diaphragm and aimed for transcendence. I'd wager that Cook thinks the song is nowhere near as good as Switchfoot's.

-- Ann Powers

Photo courtesy of Fox

Comments

[sfbb]

I don't think "I don't wanna miss a thing" is as good as Switchfoot's song either. It's probably the worst song Aerosmith ever did. If David had more than 90 seconds to perform the music he prefers........you would have been blown away.

[SteveS]

Fever is just an old song and Syesha screeched through it like most songs she sings. Her effort at the song from Happy Feet was even worse. Time for Syesha to go.

[Jake Cola]

For me, this year's Idol just didn't have "it". You know, "it". "It" was missing and, as hard as I tried to find "it", "it" couldn't be found in any of the wannabe's performances. What caused "it"? "It's" simple.

American Idol has lost"it's" attraction - searching the country for raw, undeveloped talent, providing a stage and audience. Now, "it's" nothing more than a springboard for those who have been professionally involved in the business but just couldn't get proper exposure.

Idol gives "it" to them. "It's" sad.

That's "it" for me.

[Reggie Johnson]

I am so grateful to hear your comments on Syesha Mercardo, as well as the other Idol Contestants. I feel that it is extremely offensive for the judges to categorize the contestants according to what they think/feel they should present in the way of their talents. I am so glad that Syesha has chosen to focus on her strengths and forget what that offensive Simon, Randy and Paula think about her. Syesha has found her niche, and I beleive that she should stick with it, enhance it and grow in it. I believe, whether she advances or not, that we will hear great things coming from her in the future. I am not taking anything away from the David's because I enjoy them very much. However, I do feel the judges have endeavored to sway the audience to the men by the measure of their influence on the public who votes. Nothing will make me more happy than for the public to vote Syesha the next winner of the American Idol contest.

[bekbek]

I agree with most of this, except for the part about Syesha being born for the stage. Not the stage, no. Week after week, I have watched her play to the camera, to the point that she does not appear to demonstrate a chemistry with the live audience. She is like a singer in a television advertisement, rather than a singer on stage who is connecting with the audience while professionally aware of and giving space to the cameras as well.

Alas, she is already too old for Disney.

[Ann]

What's up with Randy? Does he really think that boring boy Archuleta is "hot, hot, hot"? Give me a break....we know who he's rooting for.

And why were the judges so mean to Syesha last night? She definitely held her own, and looked great too. I think they're trying to sway public opinion.

For once Paula had something intelligent to say when she told David Cook that judging his first song was all about him, not Randy and Simon.

[Yasuo]

Heya

Just watched the show again and i sincerely hope the finals will be between syesha and david achuleta.

For people rooting for david cook,all i can say is that most of the time he shouts the songs and that is the "memorable" parts.In all of all the 3 contestant david cook was the worst of the lot.

[tjayswift]

It's time to look at this thing for what it is- and that's what makes it so interesting and hard to predict. Is it a competition to find the best singer? Is it to find the most marketable and profitable act? Or is it just a popularity contest?

I'll try to be as objective as possible here.....

Because, if it was solely about vocal talent, then the competition was over weeks ago. Despite his young age, Auchuleta's by FAR the most talented and versatile. And that's a fact. If you don't see that clearly, you either a) don't know a whole lot about music and/or vocal performance, or b) are having trouble seeing past the personality and entertainment part of the equation. I honestly don't think the kid's missed a note in this entire competition.

IF it were solely about marketability and profitability, then David Cook would have it wrapped up. He's by far the most entertaining, and would sell the most records and concert tickets. He's a PR dream- personable, humble, and witty. This, of course, aside from the fact that his vocals are mostly one-dimensional, and he struggles with anything less than full out. When he has to rein it in a bit, his vocals lack the "pop" and visceral urgency that we enjoy when he's belting it out. And when he belts, he has a tendency to miss his notes a few cents to the flat side. A wise producer and vocal coach can help to hide his weaknesses, though. Still the best bet for someone looking to sign one of these kids and make money.

Syesha, to quote Randy, is just "good, not great." There are a million more of her out there, unlike Cook and Archuleta. Although she came out of her shell a bit this week (which was wonderful to see), she seems to lack a bit in both the vocal talent and stage presence departments.... she does decent at both, but certainly not world class, either. Syesha just doesn't bring that Star Quality "je ne sais quoi" to the equation....Perhaps that will be her downfall. Her vocal runs and "flair" tend to get muddy and imprecise. Her voice lacks the big, boomy, overpowering quality that you hear in her contemporaries. She's good looking and personable. Unfortunately, the fact that she's a black female with a less than mind-blowing voice will keep America from picking her.

So, we have- one artist who is far and away the best singer, one artist who is far and away the most entertaining and marketable, and one artist who falls just short in either category.

I'm not sure what America will vote on, and that's what makes this fun.... but I think it's pretty clear that Syesha should be the next to go home. She just can't hang with the big dogs come crunch time.

[Greg]

You are so much better than the other writer

[onemomwhosnuts]

Jake Cola - you couldn't have said it better! AI has not only jumped the shark, it jumped the whole darn ocean! The entire season was bland, and souless ...

[Gloria]

David Cook was the best last night! The performances were right on! I think David Archuletta is too boring and every song he sings just sounds the same at this point - and the fact that is closes his eyes is highly annoying! He needs to go! Syesha has grown a lot in the last few weeks and i think this is her style - she would be great on Broadway! I would like to see: Archuletta out this week, Cook winning next week!

[delta 7777]

Syesha is wonderful...
(and growing better since Sir Andrew told her to let loose and be herself...)

Cook is Awesome..
(his singing can give goosebumps)

Archuleta really sucks.....
(send him over to Nickelodeon--where he canl be a real winner)

[William Webb]

Didn't Randy Jackson say just a few weeks back that he could definitely see Syesha on Broadway? So why pick on her choice of "Fever"? I thought her performance was fantastic! Sadly she did not do nearly as well on the other two songs, especially the last one, which seemed to overwhelm her. I'd love to see her in the finals, but it was obvious that the judges were trying to convince everyone to vote for "the Davids." Even if she's not, I think we'll see more of her in the future.

[TardisJockey]

Thank you!! I, too, was dumbfounded over Randy, Paula, and Simon's comments about Siesha's performance of Fever. Contrary to other opinions, she most certainly did not "screech" it. I loathe the Peggy what's-her-name version, and Seisha actually had me enjoying it. She looked smokin' hot, too! To me, that song made her a winner!!

[Vickitoria]

Syesha was really good last night, she should stay and David Cook, please, not Archuletta....He has no personality at all...very boring

[Olliebug]

I mean David A sounds like Kermit the frog or is it just me?

[The Rodentman]

There are only 2 things wrong with "American Idle." The style and the content. Oh, a third, Simone.

[Ellen]

I think Randy Jackson is into some Vegas bookies big time. That could be the only reason why he is constantly singing the praises of David "Archie" Archuletta. If I have to hear Randy say one more time to Archie "dog..you are great you could sing the phone book" I am going to go postal on Randy. Archie is so boring. Every song sounds the same. He does do a wonderful impersonation of Steveie Wonder...all he needs is some sunglasses and to sway his head back and forth. For God sake, some one please get that pathetic kid some tooth picks to keep his eyes open. I physically recoliled when he sang My Bo. He has the depth and dimension of Gumby or Flat Stanley. He can sing only one type of song and those are good if you are an insomniac.

Syesha got robbed. It is obvious the Judges are trying to get her out of there. I hope she kicks butt. Week after week those judges have done nothing but given this woman bad reviews...kind of like they did to Jennifer Hudson. Well Syesha...I hope you get to throw it back in their faces just like Jennifer did.

[broshow]

Simon is too kind. All three are top notch cruise ship entertainers, except there's no real placefor the rock guy in that category. None of them can write a song, so unless you want to go country where few stars write their own material but it's not seen as a negative, then I'm afraid they may have careers on stage but it won't be as superstars. No one has made it big except for Underwood. She will have a long career and illustrates that success in this arena really is a million to one shot. The turnouts for the A.I. summer tours is dismal.

[ken]

Post #2, StevenS, said "it" all. The show has lost "it". But....I would pay to go see Syesha Mercardo in anything. Remember that name. I only hope she gets a really good, honest agent working for her interests. Best Wishes.

[Iron Cross]

If anyone can't see the way that the judges are trying to propel Archie to the winner's circle you must believe that pro wrestling is real too.

It isn't what the judges say about him.. in fact.. many times they say very little about him while criticism abounds for the others.

The pinocchio analogy was SPOT ON. The kid looks so uncomfortable (maybe because his walk to the center of the stage wasn't choreographed by his stage dad).

I personally wouldn't buy Archulettas disc and I am a fan of the old time crooners. I would buy Cook and Syesha's albums like I did Daughtry and Clarkson's. If Barry Manillow was topping the charts and getting airplay I'd say Archuletta represents a true American Idol... but Barry is nowhere to be found and thus Archie will have to wait until the next 'reality' star maker/finder show airs.... I hear AGT starts soon... or maybe he can be the next American Gladiator... I can just hear it now... Titan, Wolf, Justice, and ..... Pinocchio!!!

[smell-the-coffee]

smell the coffee people - the show is rigged, the voting is not audited, what you think is not relevant. it's all a fraud - so either see it as entertainment from a media mega-corporation (with it's own agenda) or don't watch. by reading about how many of you believe all ryan's garbage that 'america has voted' - gives one insight into the reasons why the politicians you vote for spend all our tax payers dollars making themselves and large corporations very wealthy and leave our children with massive national debt to pay off throughout their lives.

[Lee]

Liked your take on David Archuleta. One of his best performances was "Shop Around", in my opinion. He was upbeat & a little flirty & seemed 17. Even if his attempt at "With You" was kind of comic [baby ducks mating LOL!!], I enjoyed it. Beneath the stage persona, he still seems like a genuinely great kid & has a lot of appeal & could be very sensual & sexy if he were allowed to try it once in awhile. David has to grow up eventually to continue as a real artist, not just a prodigy. In my opinion, he possesses the intelligence & certainly the vocal ability to try other styles & branch out as a performer.

[Idol Fan]

To the last poster. I think you need to go back and watch the show again.

Dave Cook is the best performer this season (or the last couple of seasons for that matter), period. It's about time that someone with talent wins the show. David Archuletta needs to go work for Disney dressed as Goofy, and Syesha is destined for Broadway, not Idol stardom.

[Dwood]

I think Ms. Powers has chosen her favorite already!

[olliebug]

does anyone else think David A sounds like Kermit the frog when he talks?

[Melissa]

I will remember to skip all American Idol articles in the LA Times. This is slanderous and poorly written.

[Glenn]

Two points - "Christian rock" is an outdated label, and Switchfoot is preparing for another hit with "This is Home," the closing credits song to the upcoming film "Prince Caspian." Their most recent album, "Oh, Gravity!" peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200. Not exactly a one-hit wonder as you imply. Carry on...

[Renée LaRosse]

I thought all three were terrific last night. However, from the very first night, I've been impressed with David Archuletta. I don't know how anyone can resist him. His voice is right ON and he means every word he sings! I truly hope he is the next American Idol.

[RGW]

well last night was interesting..but in my opinion, the two Davids..may need to step aside for Syesha. She has all the "Idol" qualifications...DA will do well on his own..if his father will allow him to do so...and DC will join a band and do well too. All very talented, but the winner is Syesha

[Idol Fan]

David A's voice is on most of the time when he isn't forgetting the lyrics!

[ks]

I seriously don't get the hype around DA... He seems soooo awkward out there.. Its painful. His songs can't end soon enough for me. Is it because he appeals to little girls that they keep propping him up? My votes are for DC and Syesha without question.

[Quan]

David A. was boring. Syesha was hit-and-miss. I still think she may be the surprise winner.

I thought Simon's choice of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was brilliant. It showed the softer side of David Cook--perfect for getting those female tweeners to vote for him. I thought David conveyed the tender emotions of the lyrics quite well.

[Kgirl]

uh.......david a. is like a muppet in real life!

[Jeri]

Maybe the AI judges are doing Syesha a favor dismissing her week after week and engineering her 3rd place finish. If the winner is locked into some kind of contract that hasn't done many previous winners much good, then I don't think I want her to win. I want that gorgeous voice, and anyone who thinks she screeches and/or can't sing is totally tin-eared, on broadway or with writers and producers who know how to take advantage of her vocal ability.

I've alway thought that Archuleta has a thick, ugly , boring voice, I mean, he's no Rick Astley as an example of a male with an unusual voice. And his immediate future is going to be ballads because he just doesn't have the life experiences for anything else.

Let David Cook win. Does he have a future? Maybe. But he's better than Archuleta.

[Chris]

I'm not a fan of the show by any means, but got suckered into catching last night's episode. This has to be the worst group of semifinalists in the history of the American version. Whoever ends up winning is gonna require one heck of a lot of coaching to become a commercial success.

But hey, what the heck! They made Britney a success! And don't forget Jennifer Lopez who has to have THE worst voice in the history of modern music! Sorry John Mayer, Chad Kroeger, Michael Bolton, etc... there's a voice out there that has you beat as the WORST ever!

[Deborah Harrison]

American Idol is rigged people. Wake up and smell the insanity. The judges critique according to what the Producers tell them to do. Have you ever, ever heard Paula say, "it's not good enough to make it into the next round?" But that is exactly what she said to Syesha last night. Remember when she critiqued Jason's Castro second song when he had not even sung it yet? And Carly and Jason were told by Simon to "pack their bags." Carly was a threat to the 2 Davids as was Jason. Jason did not have the strongest voice but he had a HUGE fan base thereby threatening to cause the votes to be split between the 2 Davids, possibly causing an upset. Jason Castro had the highest number of votes of all one week. No, let's face it, it is all about MONEY. David Cook is just a wanna be rocker, he is talented but his personality stinks. He is so overly confident . And David Archuletta is Disney's answer to Hannah Montana money. Poor Syesha is only a pawn in the game and deep down inside she knows it. She is believing that maybe just maybe it could be fair. Delusional. Jason Castro was the only unique and refreshing Idol contestant since Kelly Clarkson. Brooke was also an original and Carly reminded me of the early days of Heart.
My eyes have been opened this year. I heard that this is the last season for Idol on Larry King Live. It's a good thing because people are on to them now.

[Michael in Vegas]

I am so glad to read other people are wearying of David Archuleta, also. He seems like a nice enough kid, so there's no reason to bash him personally, but has definite flaws that have been overlooked week after week by the judges. Ever since the contestants have had to sing two songs, it has become increasingly apparent that every selection sounds almost exactly alike. He has a limited range and sings everything within that comfort zone. And then there are the extended parts he sings through his nose.

I predict a David vs. David final. Syesha will have a solid career in musicals. I hope David Cook wins it all, but I fear the rampant teenybopper vote will carry Archuleta to victory. Of course, that was my fear last year when the ridiculous beat boxer made it all the way to the finals....

[Kimberly H]

I agree with tjswift. If American Idol were a singing competition, Archeleta wins hands down. But AI is no longer a singing contest but rather a popularity contest. Perhaps this explains the inconsistent results of the contestants' success. Winning doesn't necessarily guarantee the artist a spot on the record charts, and losing doesn't necessarily mean hope for a successful career in music is lost.

Based on what I'm reading today, Cook is the winner. His fans don't care whether or not he can sing on key (which he often does not). They are voting simply because they like him, and it has nothing to do with his talent. Too bad.

[yab]

In the end, it does not matter who wins. Chris Daughtry didn't win American Idol, and he has the best selling album out of all the seasons. David Cook is atleast as good as Chris Daughtry, and I am very certain that even if he does not win American Idol, he will surpass the other two by far in record sales. So vote for Syesha or the other David if you wish, it'll be a futile effort at any rate.

[EJ]

This show has jumped the shark.

I was watching last night, and suddenly realized that I no longer cared.

Not that I ever thought this show was ever good, or the contestants, or the judges.

[Leigh Hanlon]

Who are they really? WHO CARES?

[Brooke Preston]

For an entertainment reporter, Ann Powers doesn't seem to know much about entertainment. For one thing, Switchfoot wasn't a Christian band turned secular that had a hit or two. Their lyrics are overtly Christian as are their live shows, and their sales and hits have been consistent for well over a decade now.

Secondly, to compare what Syesha has to offer to Amy Winehouse and her ilk is a stretch at best. Syesha is the archetype of every community theatre performer who believes themselves to be three shades more talented than they actually are. If she didn't believe it were so, she wouldn't have the audacity to attempt the biggest songs with the biggest notes with a straight face (not with that voice). She wouldn't talk back to the judges with more industry experience than summer dinner theatre reviews. Love them or hate them, artists like Winehouse or Duffy work because they remind us of all the great parts of Motown, Doo-wop and early Pop Rock while staying firmly planted in today's soundscape and culture. Can Powers really believe Syesha's "Fever" rendition truly contained anything fresh or commercially viable?

The problem with too many American Idol ex-patriots is that they believe the judges when they are told they are talented, original artists, who are destined for superstardom. I wonder what Blake Lewis thought when his album full of the same tired beat-boxing (that was already old when Timberlake filled 'NSync 'No Strings Attached' tour costume changes with it onstage) that the judges made over to no end was released...and tanked. They're not all Kelly Clarksons and Carrie Underwoods. Syesha's certainly not. I just don't see a place for her (or David Cook, whose success thusfar makes me wonder if people have forgotten so soon about the terrible mass error in judgment that was Creed's success) in the modern music machine beyond next summer's AI tour.

The LA Times may want to consider hiring reporters with their finger slightly more firmly placed on the pulse of pop culture.

[Susan]

Ann, Thank you so much for what you said about Syesha! You said beautifully what I was struggling to articulate last night in the debate going on in my own living room. You are right on! Syesha is very commercially viable, her retro style is wonderful. It's such a pleasure to see her on her feet in her stilettos, working that smokey jazz milieu. Did you notice she sounded just like Randy Crawford on a couple of her runs last night. I like her more and more every week. Bravo, Syesha!!

[JoeP]

I think David Cook has, at present, the best chance at a pop career, Syesha has the best stage presence and would do well in a show or review. David Archuleta is so far superior as a vocalist that I would question the integrity or hearing of anyone who wouldn't agree to this evident fact.

[Jeannie]

Everyone seems to want the 2 Davids to win. I personally think it should be between David A and Syesha. She usually hits her notes and David Cook misses his and is hard to understand as he doesn't articulate well.

All three will probably get a contract so in the end they all will win.

[Realmusiclover]

tjayswift has written the most cogent comment here. "Because, if it was solely about vocal talent, then the competition was over weeks ago. Despite his young age, Archuleta's by FAR the most talented and versatile. And that's a fact. If you don't see that clearly, you either a) don't know a whole lot about music and/or vocal performance, or b) are having trouble seeing past the personality and entertainment part of the equation."
And of course, tjay is right on the money. If singing was the entire criteria of AI then Archie would get the gold ring. But since this is a popularity contest, and since Archie's real talent is not appreciated for what it is, pure and beautiful tonalities that he is able to convey with or without instrumental accompaniment, he is likely to lose to that one trick pony, David Cook. Sayesha has great stage presence and deserves a shot as a Vegas act or Broadway musical star, but she lacks the vocal power to command any long term public affection. Cook is simply a rock and roll screamer, and as such will probably win next week because in this country, true to Goebbels' dictum, screamers win.

[appalled]

There are a lot of pompus people posting here. All three contestants are talented and don't deserve to be ridiculed. The fact that they can endure the stress that must come from being on this show and still peform is a credit in itself. Brooke was very talented but could't take the pressure. So part of AI is to get the future winner ready for the demands that will be made on them. I'm glad it's the two Davids, but I hope Cook wins. I would like David A to be in a more protective enviroment for a time, perhaps touring with Miley Cyrus and other young artists. He seems like a very nice perosn and I would hate for him to become jaded by being thrust into an adult enviroment when he isn't quite emotionally ready for it. Cook has received good reviews from the AI vocal coaches and other professional voice trainers, so those who say he can't sing are only showing their bias towards David A. David A fans think by knocking David C, that makes David A better. It doesn't. David A is a true talent, but so is David C in a different way. They both can be talented at the same time.

[davidcookfan]

The problem with AI is its format. How can you "count the votes" when the contestants don't use the same ballot? In other words, how can David Å lose when his songs are always a ballad, but David C's and Macardo's ballots are ballads, show tunes, rock 'n roll etc?

The answer to the gordian knot AI presents is to have one song for all contestants every week. Then and only then will the apple v oranges blood fued stop.

If AI was a piano playing contest—David A would play chop sticks over and over again, even when he was playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue or Jerry Lee Lewis's Great Balls of Fire.

[Paul]

This is the most insightful analysis of this program (or any other like it) that I've ever read.

[Idol Fan]

To the person who said... "Chris Daughtry didn't win American Idol, and he has the best selling album out of all the seasons." uh, you're wrong! Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson had much better selling albums than Daughtry. Even William Hung's album did better!

[indygirl52]

David Cook is anything but the definition of a bartender. He is a college graduate with a Bachelor Degree in Graphic Arts Technology-Management, who has been beating the pavement to realize his dream. Moved to Tulsa after college and worked in a club to make ends meet while he tried to make his way in the music business. That is what you call perserverance and he is the most deserving, humble person you could ever meet.

[Sharron Casey]

I have been a big fan of idol but------last year I was so shocked at the total disreguard of Melina Doolittle.She had all of the judges and celebs speechless and yet BYE BYE!!!I still crave her singing. And this year David A presents with almost the same talent and he has been blown away personality wise for being too nice.Now his father is foremost in the news to discouirage voters.You might as well go back to Murray. I personally think we need a few Legends to begin their carreer. sometimes we need to listen to beautiful soft music and escape the hard rock fo awhile. David A is just too "nice" of a role model or boring as previosly stated. Sad isn't it?

[Leah]

Ann, you seem like somone strong who can take care of herself, but I wanted to say that every time I've read your analyses, I am so glad to have found someone knowledgeable and articulate to read. You're not just an American Idol fan (if you even are); you're a music critic, and I appreciate all you have to say and the time and thought you put into it. You're a talented writer, which I'm sure you already know. I find it sad and funny--and irritating when I read the comments. Most people just use this--the way they do everywhere else with an AI comment section--to talk about their favorite and bash the others. Not nearly enough people take the time to respond to you; and when they do, all too often it's bash YOU for having your own opinions and a forum for expressing them. I don't agree with you all the time, but I found myself agreeing with everything you've written in this article. Even when I don't agree, though, I'm still enjoying myself, reading you. Just wanted to let you know!