'American Idol' Tracker: Brooke White's long good-bye comes to an end

And so on a trail of tears, she left us. Perhaps the most emotionally demonstrative contestant in "American Idol" history, Brooke White at last had a reason for her tears, exiting at the close of a topsy-turvy Neil Diamond week.

In most seasons, Oscar or "Idol," "it's an honor just to be nominated" is not even a string of empty words but a phrase that can only be used ironically. But White’s trajectory proves that, this season, a slot in the Top 12 did, in fact, mean something. While White was never a likely contender for the finals, no one can say she did not bring something distinctive to the show: a compelling, husky voice; competent performing skills; largely good taste in song picks; and a breakthrough for the singer/songwriter category that has never previously had much luck on "Idol." And in the Idoldome on Wednesday night, while there seemed to be a general sense that this was about the right time for her to go, there was also genuine affection and appreciation for what she brought to the stage.

Contrast White's story with those of previous-year contestants, the 12 of just last year, for instance, most of whom have faded from memory, and it is inescapable how much stronger this group has been.  When we reflect back upon Chikezie, Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, Amanda Overmyer and David Hernandez, there is no one who you can say has been mere wallpaper. Even much maligned country singer Kristy Lee Cook, back in the Idoldome tonight, carved out a pleasant niche within her genre.  Compared to this, when one looks back upon the names of last season’s mid-list, it is hard to remember how in the world most of them made it to the Top 12 in the first place.

The ephemeral nature of "Idol" fame was on display in rich contrast Wednesday night.  As Kristy Lee watched her friend’s denouement, her own white-hot moment now passed, what did she think as she glanced just over her shoulder, a dozen feet away at Constantine Maroulis and Gina Glocksen, both now inhabiting the Idol demimonde as the second-string hosts of "Idol Extra," the Fox Reality Channel’s "Idol" tie-in (which, I must say, with its immediate post-elimination interviews is almost better dramatic viewing than the flagship show itself). Worse still for Kristy Lee looking on would be the specter of Season 5 also-ran Ace Young, sitting just in front of Maroulis, Glocksen and eventually Seacrest, and not even getting the tie-in screen time. Did this assemblage present Kristy Lee a cautionary tale? Or was she just impressed that they are still in the spotlight at all? It is more after all than Chris Sligh or Haley Scarnato can claim at the moment.

And then there are the names that seem to turn to dust on exposure to the white-hot Idol glare. Just two months ago, not 12 but 24 emerged triumphant from Hollywood week. And where now are the names of Robbie Carrico, Joanne Borgella, Kady Malloy and Colton Berry even heard?  There is a fascinating backstage video on the "Idol" site, shot at just about this time last season, wherein the top six remaining contestants are asked to name their entire original class of 24, and they can just barely do it. Jordin has to write the names down; LaKisha doesn’t even try. And many would be hard-pressed to name several of that Top 6.   

Coming forth from this stage, there are some, such as Chris Daughtry and, coming soon, Carly Smithson, who seem to explode into a bigger world, but for others moving on and moving forward has been a more complicated affair. Brooke White has made many fans in her stay here, and now the crossroads that await all at the end of the "Idol" journey lie before her.

In any event, we seem to have arrived at something of a lull in the season.  Barring the most shocking upset entertainment has ever known, we are headed for a David vs. David finale. The other contestants who might have edged their way into the finals (Carly Smithson, Michael Johns) are now gone, so presumably we will spend these three weeks in preliminary skirmishes, defining the final battlefield before the two goliaths step on stage at the Nokia. 

We should also pause to note that it is somewhat shocking that Syesha Mercado has outlived all her fellow female contestants. Perpetual denizen of the Bottom 3, Syesha has still never had a career-making night, but nor has she ever had a terrible night, and that apparently is enough to allow her to skate over the cracks and all the way to the Top 4.

Taking that further, it is interesting in general that there has not yet been one single blockbuster show –- like last year’s Bon Jovi night –- wherein everyone excelled. Instead, the contestants seemingly have worked at their own paces, choosing their own nights to be great and their own nights to fall on their faces.

In the Idoldome, the sense of lull before the final showdown pervaded the room. First there seemed a bit of walking on eggshells around judge Paula Abdul. For once, and highly out of character, the show did not poke fun at its own misstep, seeming to take a rare delicate approach to reassuring Paula. The Judge Herself seemed to require a fair bit of reassurance, spending unprecedented amounts of time during the breaks in the crowd signing autographs and hugging children. The show also seemed constructed with numerous opportunities to demonstrate Paula’s completely functional side, which she did admirably under the strain.   

But leading up to Angel of Death Seacrest’s coup de grace, there was not a sense of the harrowing tension that tormented the room on previous elimination nights, but a quiet sense of duty. It was respectful and appreciative of those endangered and to the ultimate departing one, but still with a certain grim sense of it 'twere best done quickly.  Stars aplenty we have created this season, but the battle of the ages awaits.

-- Richard Rushfield

Photo courtesy of Fox

Comments

[sbruce45]

I disagree that this has been the best lot of finalists. True, it didn't have dogs like previous years, but there is no one who has the WOW factor. No one who is great. No one whose singing moves you. Just capable singers. Basically, a boring group of singers. Compare this to seasons that had Fantasia, Kelly, Jordin, Melinda, Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, LaToya, Katherine McPhee, Clay, Jennifer Hudson, Tamyra. This year: no one.

[giresu]

She was not good enough to be included in top 5 unfortunately. She reminded me of Sanjaya of last year.

[Barbara]

I was sorry to see Brooke go. While I didn't think she would win, I just liked watching and listening to her. And, what's more, she seemed to be genuine, caring, kind and compassionate towards the other contestants. She sometimes seemed out of place...like someone born years ago...she had a quiet, lovely and thankful quality that is missing in many of the others. I liked Brooke...I'm sorry that she had to go, but I'm sure she is reconciled with it...and grateful that she got that far. She was just that type of person.

[D.L.]

Brooke shoud've been gone a long time ago and Paula is the most annoying person I've ever seen. When ever it becomes time for her to talk I mute the T.V. because I just can't stand to listen to her rattle on.

[gailer]

In the words of the immortal nat king cole, jason you are UNforgettable, that's what you are! Go Jason!

[Jo]

Don't think I agree with the story here. This season has become very preditable making it look staged. Even the script Paula was reading from. she forgot to stop at page one.

There is only one true Star on that strage and its David Cook. It is not even close.
Followed by Syesha. She still can't hold her own. The rest are so out staged it is not even funny. They are not as bad as the India boy last year but I kind of missed him this year.

When it comes to the Idol show, I want to see really good or really bad. that's what makes it for me.

[Tim]

It was quite refreshing to see the show treat a contestant very respectfully. Idol is not monstrous toward its contestants (Ryan seems to genuinely care and comfort them after the axe drops), but it does like to milk the drama. It could either be Abdul's slip up that did it, or maybe just sweet, vulnerable Brooke encourages everyone to lift themselves to be better people.

I also wanted to say, not only do I agree completely with your article, but I want to compliment the literate English, which is all too rare in newspaper / web stories. :) Nice construction, nice phrasing. Well done.

[Greenman]

I must admit I like Brooke White. I like the way she related to the judges, she actually seemed to listen to what Randy and Simon had to say. I for one am looking forward to her first CD.
The contestant I find confusing is Jason Castro...he has an okay voice but he couldn't really be as dumb as he appears. Whether the mentor was Dolly Parton or Andrew Lloyd Webber he shows a surprising cluelessness about the guest and their music.

[don anderson]

Oh my God..thank you America for dumping Brook...I could barely stomach her bundle of issues....go home to Arizona and get a good therapist

Girly -boy Jason is next

[George Cochran]

Mr. Rushfield:

You have a bit of a poet's pen. It is so nice to read an intelligent overview of the show that has a constructive element to it rather than a the writer being a "Simonesque" wise-guy. Your review will mean a lot to Brooke, and her fragility and "realness" has meant a lot to many viewers, I have to believe.

[Rosalee]

Chris Sligh did not go fading into the night. He has just finished an extensive radio and TV tour promoting his new single, "Empty Me" , and has a new CD, "Running Back to You", due out May 6th. Perhaps you have not heard about this because he is working mainly (but not exclusively) in the Contemporary Christian music market. After only a few weeks, his single is in the top 20 on the Christian music charts. Just last week he performed a tribute to Michael W. Smith on the GMA Dove Awards. He has had to turn down several jobs due to prior commitments such as the role of Shrek on Broadway, being in a pilot on HBO, and performing on Idol Gives Back. He also writes and produces songs for himself and others. Keep an eye on Chris Sligh. He will be around in the music industry for a long time to come.

[emily roberts]

Spelling correction:
The death blow of mercy that ends the suffering of someone wounded should be spelled:
coup de grace (with a circumflex accent over the a in grace)
Gras means fat or greasy in french. So a coup de gras would mean a neck of fat. Something one wouldn't associate with graceful Brooke White.

[MORG]

Broke should have gone weeks ago

[Rob Aldrich]

I'll agree with that. Brooke's goodbye was long.

She should have been thrown off the show a month or more ago.

[Daniel T.]

It is unfair to ask women to sing Neil Diamond songs. They are made for a deep voice. Only one guy was even capable of singing them. They are hard songs to sing.

[Jim Fastetti]

Brooke reminded me of a John Denver, Carly Simon, Garth Brooks mix. She wasn't an Idol, she was someone you could relate and sing with. Last I checked I have all the above CD's and they are still selling. Good Luck in your career Brooke.

[Rob Aldrich]

Re: "Spelling correction: The death blow of mercy that ends the suffering of someone wounded should be spelled: coup de grace (with a circumflex accent over the a in grace).

Is there some rule that whoever used the original French spelling can't do that. "Coupe de grace" is the English translation of the French "coup de gras." Google it.

[Linda]

Brooke stayed longer then was necessary. She made more mistakes then anybody else and still all the judges praised her. Why? What happened with Paula proves that the judges choose before the performance live who they think should be voted off.

[Charles]

To all of you Jason Castro naysayers, he will be in the top three if not more. Lots of people understand his purity, clarity and soulful sounds. His fan base is very strong. I wonder how it compares to David Cook's. We shall see, but look forward to Syesha's Buh Bye next week.

[Ann]

Whoopee, the Drama Queen is gone!

Newsflash: "Brooke, the world does NOT revolve around you."

[ExSinger]

Brooke's departure last night was expected, not because she wasn't as good as the others (even though she isn't). No, her exit from the Idoldome was testament to the power of pubescent girls. The Idol producers so keenly understand this, that they should have just eliminated both of the women last night and gotten down to the business of "which guy is cutest?" Sending Ms. Bedingfield to the couch to snuggle up with and kiss David Archuleta was a nod to the little girls. Did I see David Cook standing up when she arrived, thinking it might have been him she was going to see?

As for the comments regarding Jason, I don't believe anyone truly understands the phenomenon under which he survives: that of the crooning, bashful, simple guy who doesn't have to do much to generate hours of passionate text messaging among the tween girls about how "hot" he is. OMFG!!!! He's like the Shaun Cassidy or Leif Garrett of this generation: not much talent, but good looks that will take him someplace. The faster he moves away from the little girls, the better it will be for his career.

[Erik]

The top 5 should have been David C. & A., Syesha, Carly, and Michael Johns. Please do not vote for Jason Castro! This is a singing competition, not popularity! I much rather have Amanda Overmyer than Jason anyday. They're both redundant but Amanda has more spunk. I don't trust the voting system anymore, it's a joke.

[Ed]

That's too bad Brooke leaves
She was the best and also the PRETTIEST
I doubt i will watch the remaining shows now

[DD]

I can't believe Syesha and Jason are still there.

[Leila]

There was indeed a great night in this Season and that was the first Beatles night. How can you forget Cook's "Eleanor Rigby", Chickezie's She's a Woman", Carly's "Come Together". I even enjoyed Jason's sweet rendition of "If I Fell". Too bad Kristy Lee ruined everything with Eight Days a Week/Dolly Parton on Helium, but it still gave us some comic relief.