'American Idol' Tracker: Many roads to the Final Three

Just two months ago, 12 strangers stepped onto this stage, bearing the weight of a multigazillion-dollar entertainment powerhouse on their collective shoulders. Eight weeks later, the crowd Tuesday in the Idoldome was no longer swooning for mere firmaments in the franchise’s galaxy, but as the fans of three individuals who have sung through fire and earned their places among "Idol" immortals. 

Ultimately, what was quantified by this column as the most talented season in "Idol" history, has produced a Final Three worthy of the name, and three individuals worthy to stand with the Final Three of any season. Along the way, giants have fallen; the losses of Michael Johns and of the greatest performer in "Idol" history (also the most electrifying), Carly Smithson, still sting. And the lights still shine bright from the supporting cast -- Chikezie Eze, Ramiele Malubay, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, David Hernandez, Brooke White and Amanda Overmyer, still with two months' hindsight, not a forgettable talent amongst them.

But ultimately from this chaos of unknown talents, three singers, David Cook, Syesha Mercado and The Chosen One, David Archuleta, emerged from the thickets hardened, weary but determined, the youthful bloom of Hollywood Week long gone, but in its place the calm that comes only from hard-won experience (except for Archuleta, who seems as nervous and giggly as the day he stepped on this stage.) 

The pressures of life in the "Idol" contestant ranks at these exalted heights are incomparable. This week alone, the survivors were forced to master and make their own three songs (two of which were foisted upon them) while dealing with wardrobe, photo shoots, gala trips home, studio sessions, Ford commercials –- all of which comes at the end of two months of nonstop labor in a bubble isolated from their family, friends and home. And while all performances were not perhaps equal on Tuesday night, all rose to this challenge and performed, at worst, decently.

Each of these combatants, however, found his or her way to this exalted place in a very different way.  Let us examine then the paths to glory taken by each of Season 7’s Final Three.

• Syesha Mercado: In February, handicapping the women of the Top 24, I predicted (I was stunned to find when I was re-reading today) that Syesha would win the entire competition. However, I wrote that while I saw her as "the one female candidate with true star presence,” I cautioned that her “Celine/Whitney style may be too familiar to 'Idol' competition.” Within days, I was backing away from my prediction of triumph, seeing her as a generic throwback to the traditional sort of contestant, a model whose time seemed to have passed in the face of genetically engineered superpowers such as The Chosen One. And for week after week, Syesha seemed to hang a hair's breath from mortality, claiming as her own one of the bottom-tier stools. 

But while given up for dead by the punditry, Syesha refused to quit. After a disastrous maiden outing in the first week of the Top 12, she delivered performances that, if they didn’t garner raves, were always at least passable. And then, after finding herself suddenly in the Top Six, she suddenly turned it on, week after week, when little was expected of her at this point, favorably surprising again and again.

The public seemed only barely to notice her, however, continuing to consign her to the lower tiers. One night several weeks ago, after turning in one of the most memorable performances on an Andrew Lloyd Webber night and still finding herself in the bottom, Syesha, who always kept her happy stage face on, turned her back to the audience during a break and gave herself over to tears, seeming to say, will nothing I do ever be good enough? But little by little, it was good enough, and to much public shock, Syesha found herself in the Season 7 Final Three.

• David Archuleta: In February, I predicted The Chosen One would finish in second place, citing his “strong appeal to 'Idol'’s most powerful voting block” (tween girls), while warning that his youthful persona might turn off everyone outside that demographic group. It seemed to me that, raised on "Idol," studying the works of Kelly Clarkson, Jason Guarini and Clay Aiken from his infancy, The Chosen One was the fulfillment of "Idol" Prophecies, the messiah of the unswerving voice forged to lead the show from its wayward, clumsy youth into a realm of perfection and vocal gymnastics at heights never before seen in the annals of competitive singing. 

Mostly, Archuleta has done that.  Never straying from the top tier, having only the rarest of off-nights, The Chosen One provided the show with a backbone of perfection to see it through its lowest moments.

What I did not foresee, however, was that Archuleta might become this year’s Melinda Doolittle.

Having established from the first moments of the season a standard of perfection, Archuleta left himself almost nowhere to go. The tween girls continued to swoon, screech and speed-dial, but to many in the crowd, seeing him once again turn in a flawless rendition of a adult ballad became very familiar. However, his presence remains magic to "Idol"’s most important voters, and that may be more than enough to guarantee him the crown.

• David Cook: In February, I wrote that Cook managed to be “alternative without being scary,” but predicting that he would finish in 10th place, I warned that “the John Mayer path might be too intense and limiting to go the distance.”

When the story of this season is recorded in history books, the rise of Cook will be its great tale. Coming out of what seemed too obscure a niche to become a credible contender, Cook has steadily broadened his appeal far beyond the indie demo. In the Idoldome each week now, grandmothers and, more ominously for Archuleta, children, identify themselves as his fans. Throughout the long season, Cook’s performances –- often surprising and always seemingly carefully considered –- became the most anticipated of each night. Of all the contestants, Cook seemed the most comfortable on stage, singing apparently without fear and behaving in his interview segments in a low-key but self-assured manner that conveyed both humility and a strong sense of self. In the early weeks of the Top 24, Cook appeared almost bratty on stage, snapping at the judges, and was informed by judge Simon Cowell that he was entirely without charisma. But he quickly seemed to bring himself under control at once, restraining what flashes of anger he may have felt and projecting a very likable, unaffected personality.

Finally on Mariah Carey night, a month back, Cook broke through. His performance of “Always Be My Baby,” sung with his ailing brother in the audience, was the most dramatic of the season, producing an ovation that lasted through the break as Cook waded into the crowd to visit his sibling. That applause held the season’s record, until tonight, when Cook’s final song produced an ovation so thunderous and unrelenting across the Idoldome, the night almost felt like a coronation.

But still, one more elimination lies ahead and one more challenge for the surviving two next week. And it is still very, very possible that this season may yet have a surprise (or two) up its sleeve.

Note: Please join me for a live online chat today (Wed) at noon PST at chat.latimes.com

 

-- Richard Rushfield

Photo courtesy of Fox

Comments

[Weazie Thornton]

I gave up on American Idol back when Taylor Hicks won the competition. I felt then that from the moment the first song was song it was already preplanned that Hicks would be the one to come out on top. With nothing to do one night I found myself surfing the channels only to realize three weeks later I had been sucked into the pull of this seasons show. From the beggining I have been a big fan of David Cook. I found myself looking forward to each new week in anticapation of David Cooks vocals. I was shocked just as much as the rest of America when Michael Johns was booted off. I could feel doubt of the shows integrity rearing its ugly head again. Only to be heightened by Paula's judgement of a song that hadn't yet been sung. Had it not been my desire to hear David Cook each week I would have once again given up on the hope the show was on the up and up. Now it's come down to the final three and I'm still wondering how Syesha ever made it this far. Not that she isn't talented, but one can only take so much screaming and bad dancing. From the beginning David Archuleta has shown he has a beautiful voice and is the golden boy who can't seem to get a bad critique. With that said, I still can't look at him without thinking he belongs in some Disney move as Prince Charming with a bunch of cartoon characters dancing around him. Therefore, I'll probably find myself disapointed once again at the outcome of this season. My only consolation is the hope that David Cook will produce an amazing CD. I'm not much for buying music CD's but you will find me in line with his CD in one hand and cash in the other. :o)

Weazie
Jacksonville, FL

[Maria]

Well of course David Cook is more comfortable on stage, he has been part of many failed rock bands and h as a CD out already, Syesha has done a lot of singing in off Broadway show and theater... DAH of course they are more comfortable. This show is about the unknown and not established talent. Stage presence can be taught by many dance professionals. Singing and having the VOICE to beat cannot. David Archuleta contrary to what so many think is not just a tween magnet. We older folks (35 years old here) vote for him because he has an incredible voice (when I listen to his voice, I don't even think he is 17), and needless to say, he deserves to WIN this year. Not only does he makes a great american idol and represents all ages well, but he is a great role model of the younger generation as well, which are finally being introduced to beautiful ballads rather than the constant rap and loud music. My whole family votes for David Archuleta many times every week. He has been the most consistent contestant on this show. Rockers we have plenty of young idols we do not.

[Charles Mason]

It is obvious who your choice was. What ever happened to editorial integrity? When you refer to one of the contestants as "The Chosen One", you remove any credibility from what you wrote.

Unfortunately, you need to look at the New York Times to see who the voters have picked to win this year. After all, it is a singing competition, not one of see who can "shout or yell" the most.

"The Chosen One" as you call him will win this year, only because his fans are making sure of it. Get used to it.

[Lori]

You are underestimating David Archuletta's fan base. There are many, many fans who are far from the 'tween crowd. I am one. I love his pure voice and the sincerity of his song. Sure, Cook has talent but I really don't like to listen to someone scream lyrics at me. And yes, I buy music.

[Simon Says]

They Promised The Moon, The Stars, And Heaven Above. And just like Charlie Brown I got a rock.

As a songwriter who's parents were songwriters, like them I write because I love it. It's never been about the money. But when the NUMBER ONE SHOW ON TELEVISION says they're looking for some amateur to write the Next Great American Idol Finale Song. Wow! The first thing that crossed my mind was.....MILLIONS! Millions of people. Millions of cd's. Millions of dollars. Millions. I'm betting I'm not the only one.......of Millions.

It's Time For Some Answers!
This is the second year in a row that American Idol has had a songwriting contest. Since the contest ended last year I've researched the contestants from last year and this year....FYI there were over 25,000 entries last year at $10.00 for each song. 20 songs were then chosen out of the 25,000 for an online vote. The winner's song is then performed on the American Idol Finale. The problem I have is that one of THIS years Top 20 Finalist is a Co-writer of LAST years Top 20 Winner. Somebody from American Idol has some explaining to do.

If you want proof of fraud.
americanidolexposed.weebly.com

[Greg]

You need to learn when to use "a" and "an". I think I've seen you mess that up a few times now. You should have someone proofread this or something. Don't worry, I see people mess up spelling and grammar in online articles all the time. Nobody tries anymore. You're very good at dramatizing this show. It's not THAT exciting. And seriously, drop the carly smithson thing. Why don't you go watch her every week at her bar in San Diego and leave us out of it. That's where she'll be playing after what little momentum she gained from American Idol wears off. It's cool you like her, she's got some pipes, we get it. But she's had a few chances now, and she can't break through. She has weird ideas that don't work out well. Her performances were bad. Get over it.

[Michael]

The most electrifying column in newspaper history.

[Laura]

Perhaps you should correct your mistaken name reference from Jason to Justin Guarini. If you're going to write about AI like it's legal doctrine or nuclear physics text, you should at least get the names correct.

[Jenny]

Syesha is certainly lovely to look at but some of those notes she tries to hit really make me wince. Archuleta is adorable and insipid. That leaves David Cook.

[LA Woman]

David Archuleta bores me. David Cook never does. Enough said.

[david]

Are you high? Seriously? Carly Smithson the greatest performer in idol history? I wouldn't even put her in the top 40. Electrifying? Boy, I really don't get where you are coming from. I didn't care for her at all.

David Archulleta, the "chosen one"??!!! I guess if you like someone who way oversings everything in a church choir manner. For me, listening to him is like listening to musak; I don't connect with it emotionally at all. If I heard him on the radio, I would turn the channel immediately.

I would much rather see a Syesha/David Cook finale. If David Archulleta wins, I'm probably done with Idol.

[bigunit]

I watch David Archuleta to fall asleep. Fortunately I can watch Lawrence Welk reruns Mon, Thr & Fri nights, otherwise I'd be a wreck. I'd like to thank the producers for pairing DA with Dan Fogelberg...like Ambien. zzzzzz

[Jack, Las Vegas]

It's been about the two Davids from about week three. Clearly, the voters were smoking something when they kept Jason Castro in the Final Four, and lobbed Johns and Smithson under the bus.
Syesha deserves credit for trooping on and becoming the Last Woman Standing, but she looked like amateur night compared to the two guys.
David Cook will sell more albums than Archuleta, but both should have long careers in the music industry. Agree, it was the best season yet, and remains one of the few shows on television we can watch with our kids.

[Squirrelly]

I don't think DA is the "chosen one." I do think he has a good voice. He does not have good diction (he does not end his words, and some of the lyrics are unrecognizable) and he has breathing problems (you hear him breathing over the music). Syesha will be a great broadway performer and she is a decent actress. She is a very entertaining performer once she adds her acting and dancing, but this is a singing competition, and she lacks a little with her voice sometimes offkey and lack of control. However, last week was a magical night for her, and it was too difficult for her to exceed her performances, and both songs were indeed the best of all her performances to date. David Cook has perfect diction so you will most always understand the lyrics of his songs. DC has perfect breathing control to support his high and low notes so he is usually on key. DC has a lovely vibrato that he shows off quite well in ALW's "Music of the Night" and totally blew me away with "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." He made me cry! Then I voted my fingers off for him, and the lines were not letting me through. So I watched his performances on my cell phone again, and he made me cry again, and then I started voting again (he gave me his best, I'm going to give him my best) and backed him up with my votes--it's the right thing to do! David Cook is a musical genius and deserves to be the next AI.

[gasteneau]

Have you guys seen this interview where Simon just trashes the finalists?

http://www.blender.com/BlenderBlogNewPost05132008/Blender-Blog/blogs/1168/25239.aspx

[not a fool]

To Maria, are you aware that David Archuletta has already won Star Search and his father has been grooming him for this very challenge for years? Are you aware that his father has experience in the music business? How about a little levity here?

I cannot believe how duped America is by Archuletta. I'm surprised we can't see right through him. His taped singing in front of Kelly Clarkson, like "ooo look at me I'm so amazing, I'm better than you". His unassuming "oh garsh" everytime the judges blindly praise his phone book singing. He's a one-trick pony, slow sappy ballads week after week. I want something original, I want someone who's going to make a song their own . . . I want David Cook!

[Salame]

Robert, I believe "The Chosen One" referred to the Idol judges' clear preference for David A. since Hollywood week.

To the author: As the others have said, Carly Smithson is nothing special. You can see that same thing at any bar, lounge, or even a college vocal ensemble rehearsal. She never seemed to be singing "for the song"...instead she mindlessly belted out line after line, and America saw through it. Her middle range was very strong, very well supported. But her high range was forced and downright tiring to listen to.

[Housefrau]

I agree with you that -- like Melinda-- David A started at the top and had nowhere to go but down. (I think I commented as such when you put together your chart at the beginning of the year.) Also, like Melinda, I'm not sure David A can sell a contemporary record. Perhaps he could if he were cast in "High School Musical V" or some equivalent, but on his own? That Chris Brown song had to have sent a chill down Idol producers' back. It was embarrassing and uncool. And the fact that he killed the Dan Fogelberg song didn't help.

[Matt]

Anyone who claims Archuleta is boring or a bad singer simply doesnt know music. This is indeed a singing competition. Cook has talent yes, but not in the singing department. I do enjoy some rock music but since when did screamin lyrics become classified as singing. Week after week when Cook tries to perform a rock song we have all come to know and love, he butchers it. I was astonished at how he could be praised for such a horrible rendition of both switchfoot and aerosmith last night. The week before he ruined teenage wasteland. If this is singing some one shoot me. People need to start viewing this as what it is, a singing contest not a talent show based on performances. That being said, though not my favorite contestant throughout, Archie is without a doubt the most vocally talented and should win the competition. I don't see this happening though, as I tend to believe more and more each day as the producers stand and applaud certain contestants and paula judges a song before it is sung that this show is in fact rigged. Will be fun to see how the end plays out.

[DMLady]

someone, please, tell Archuleta to open his freakin' eyes!!! what's with the squinting? OPEN YOUR EYES!