American Idol on LJ.

There IS A God...

2008-05-18T02:01:33Z

No the pic does not have anything to do with the article, but it's a hot photoshoot.

Fox Reveals Idol's First Season 8 "Fix"

It was almost a throwaway line at Fox's Thursday upfront presentation, but it undoubtedly will be welcome news to most American Idol viewers: One of the first announced changes in place for Season 8 is "predominantly" half-hour results shows, versus hour-long, overstuffed and sometimes painfully bloated build-ups to a simple, "See ya!"

Less filler, sounds great!

This is but the first tweak in store for the next cycle, in which Fox brass hope to inject new energy, bigger "twists and turns" and better storytelling.

SOURCE

Top Three Interviews

2008-05-17T20:55:44Z

Two videos + one article

ARCHIE

COOK

SYESHA
May 16, 2008 - Posted by Miles

Syesha Mercado, a beautiful girl with a beautiful voice, and the only girl left standing when it got down to the Final 3, sadly had to say goodbye the other night, when she was voted off American Idol. The twenty one year old, Sarasota Florida, native remained dry-eyed, when Ryan announced the result. She just gave a rueful smile, and then she took hold of the microphone to belt out her last song, “If I Ain’t Got You”, by her favorite singer, Alicia Keys.

After her elimination, Syesha sat down to answer questions regarding her time on the show. She was full of life and opinions, emanating all that positive energy she became famous for, as we watched her progress on the show, from week to week.

When asked what her plans were after Idol, and after the tour wraps, she had this to say, “Well, as I tell people, I want to do everything, and I’m really goal-oriented, so I know that whatever goal I set, it can be accomplished, whether it’s within a year span or whatever, ten year. So I want to make an album. I want to star in a film. I want to do Broadway. I want to open up an organic restaurant, and a lupus foundation, a homeless foundation. It just depends on what comes first, but I have goals that I want to do, and I write them down and am going to continue to look at them. Basically, whatever opportunity comes first and what’s the best career move for me, that’s pretty much what’s going to happen.”

Syesha, more than any other contestant, seemed to truly listen to what the judges had to say, and appeared to get stronger each week. Was this due to the fact that she’d been in the bottom two or three every week? And how did she deal with this? “I just talked to my family a lot, and they really helped me stay strong, and they told me so many things that helped me when I was on that stage. I tried my best to pray before every performance and get that positive energy flowing and hold everybody’s hand and be like, “Burst of energy and positivity.” I just tried to clear my mind. You become stronger and stronger. And just being there, I just think I got a lot stronger every week.” She also added, “I didn’t pack my bags because I wasn’t ready!”

After singing her heart out every Tuesday night, and getting so far in the competition, Syesha was asked what she felt she had taken, and learned from the experience. “Wow. I learned a lot. Where do I begin? Well, I learned that there’s a fine line between over-rehearsing, like overworking, and then just doing what you need to do and trusting in yourself and just letting go and letting it be the way it is because I worked so hard every week, to the point I wasn’t really able to enjoy myself. So I’ve learned how to relax and what to do, whether it’s talking to someone really close to me, someone I confide in, or whether it’s reading a book that’s really uplifting. So I learned ways to deal with stress. And I’ve learned ways to deal with – how to prepare for a performance, to the point where you’re able to enjoy what you’re doing. And you’re working, but you’re not so focused to the point where it’s just a stress ball for you. So I’ve learned to relax more”.

Whatever she may have learned from the experience, one thing is sure, Syesha Mercado is heading places, and with her work ethic, positive outlook, and her acting and singing talent, the only place that is, is up!

Sources: DA, DC, SM
They are all from american idol

americanidol @ 2008-05-17T10:31:00

2008-05-17T15:25:32Z

Is everyone looking for tickets now? I did look at 10 am but I couldn't get really good seats so I I'm going to look again later. Would like seats on the floor and not that far back, but I guess I will see what I can get...

And I might have people to go with...did anyone get good seats this morning/today? Where is everyone going to see the tour?

Syesha Compares Herself to Xtina

2008-05-17T12:57:57Z

Syesha was quoted as saying:

"I'm a mix of a lot of things ... I'm like a black Christina Aguilera ... I definitely can see myself putting together a Christina Aguilera album, the one that she just recently did and an Alicia Keys album like The Diary of Alicia Keys. I like Pop and I like R&B and I like the old school, new school thing so I'm growing as an artist, I'm evolving ... You'll know who I am once I put out that album."

Okay, now I know she is trying to define who she is as an artist (especially since the judges criticized her time and again for not knowing who she was as an artist), but, REALLY? Now, girl can sing, there is no doubt about that. And I'm a Syesha fan and wanted to see her in the finale. But I think that she made quite a statement there, comparing herself to Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys.

What do you guys think?

Source
ONTD page

Finale Spoiler - People Not Appearing

2008-05-16T23:34:39Z

As a sort of follow-up to this post, via Vote For The Worst, Danny Noriega will not be at the finale, as he (along with Kady Malloy and Colton Berry) could not procure tickets.

He has a point in the video, if he ask me. Would it really be that hard to invite the entire Top 24 back for the finale? I know the producers wouldn't dare to have all of them back on stage (though, would that really be such a bad thing?), but they should at least get to be audience members. I'd much rather see the entire gang instead of some random celebrities who are just there to promote their shows that air on the same network.

This, coupled with news of more celebrity performers on the finale, is not cheering me up on this rainy day.

The Top 2

2008-05-16T23:12:54Z

I don't think I've posted here since season 4? 5? God I can't even remember, but I definately still lurk. I've not really cared a whole lot about an AI contestant the past few years, but I guess I got lucky this year because there were soooo many contestants I liked. Also I'm fortunate because the two people I wanted in the top two made it there.

Cook and Archuleta, both insanely good at their music niches. I'm a rocker girl at heart, rock being my favorite genre of music, so of course Cook is going to appeal to me, I knew he'd be one of my favorites the moment I saw his audition. And then there's Archuleta, the kid with the golden voice voice. I literally got chills when I heard him sing Imagine. And I was a total sucker for his homecoming video when he was overwhelmed by the huge crowd that turned out for him.

In the end, I'm voting for Archuleta. Cook's a great performer, but I cannot ignore how amazing this kid's voice is. Cook is slightly favored over Archie on the internet, but I believe it's a lot closer than everyone thinks it is. I truly believe it will all depend on who has the better night, and who picks up the majority of casual voters. It's going to be a pretty epic battle.

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First Impressions

2008-05-16T11:16:31Z

Anyone seen this? Ok, just posted it because I thought it was cute. Especially the Davids!
Love the ending.

Lipsynching?

2008-05-16T11:16:17Z

Did anyone else catch Syesha's lip synching on Wednesday night? During her song, at the very end, she smiles after singing her final note, however, the note is still playing as she's smiling. Lipsynching? Do they play the track while they sing their goodbye song? Back up singer? I can't figure it out but it's bugging me!

Watch at the very end!

David Archuleta's account on iLike

2008-05-16T11:15:57Z

So, I posted this waaaaaay back in my David A community, but I thought a lot of you people here would find it interesting.

So, I forget how, but I am pretty sure I stumbled across David A's account on iLike.

Reasons I believe it's really him:
- Songs were first added in mid-July, a week or so before he even auditioned.
- One of his friends is Mietra, the girl on the show Ryan made a comment about David going to prom with.
- He has songs by his mother on there, including some of his own original songs.
- He has Tiffany Evans's songs on there (the girl who beat him in Star Search), plus former American Idol contestants.
- He has all of his favorite artists that he's mentioned added on there.
- Because it's "David A" and not "David Archuleta," they're not the "same person" on that site.

ANYWAY, I'm posting this because I think he has a huuuuuuuge variety of favorite artists/songs on there and you might be surprised.

That is, if it's him. Which seems very likely.

AI performer for finale

2008-05-16T11:15:24Z

Under the cut. :)

Jonas Brothers posted this bulletin from their Myspace earlier today:

"

AMAZING NEWS!

Jonas Brothers will be performing “S.O.S.” on American Idol’s season finale!!

Be sure to tune in Wednesday, May 21 at 8pm on Fox!"

is it really going to be as close as people are saying?

2008-05-16T01:40:16Z

I for one have always thought this would be a close finale if it was DAVID v DAVID. Now that it's here and i've been reading up and looking at polls and dial idol stats... I'm not so sure.

here's the chart from dialidols state by state vote..

Cook clearly won the majority of the states including both of his opponents home states.

Yes, Archey didn't even win Utah.

Second is their numbers:

He holds a 10+ point lead over Archuletta in these numbers... Obviously this isnt exact and by no means the actual vote statistic but for what its worth and the sake of internet chatter... David A would have to take nearly All of syeshas votes to over take David C which obviously is not going to happen

Sure song performance for next week is going to play a big part in votes... and David C clearly won this week which may have gotten him the voters who vote based on who performed best this week.

But i just have this feeling that it's not going to be very close in reality and that David C has worked his way up to a clear cut favorite and soon to be champion by now.

thoughts???

All you lil archuletta fans can feel free to have at me :) but i think your boy is...COOKED

images ripped from dialidol via source

the poll on americanidol.com

2008-05-16T01:40:07Z

screencap of the poll on ai.com.

Something tells me the last option is a spoiler & they up and put the name there.. Anyway, the poll isn't working for me right now, but maybe later! (Yeah, you'll see who I'm most excited to see, too..)

source:

Season 2 vs Season 7

2008-05-15T23:25:45Z

Does everyone think that this David vs. David is going to be a closer race than Ruben vs. Clay?

I say YES. Thoughts??

Final two pic of Davidx2 and more

2008-05-15T22:50:22Z

Archie looks wee lol.

and this is a pic from the hometown visits. i just thought it was funny.

oh i have to add this.

americanidol @ 2008-05-15T14:05:00

2008-05-15T18:26:57Z

I don't know if someone posted about this already or not, but do we know why iTunes is only offering some of the songs our contestants have performed yet allowing you to purchase every video? I'd think they would want you to be able to buy every song they've performed but, for example, you can only buy "Hungry Like the Wolf" and not "Baba O'Reilly" from whatever week it was that Cookie performed them both. It's kind of upsetting because personally, I'd much rather have the mp3 than the video.

Question about the season finale

2008-05-15T17:37:44Z

I haven't seen an American Idol finale in a long time and I'm out of the loop. What are the song choices? Is there a theme or is it like this week's?

Thanks in advance.

Last night's elimination show in 46 sentences EXACTLY!!

2008-05-15T15:15:53Z

NEW!! Now with 81.7% more Street Fighter II references!!

This was probably the smoothest-run show yet. It came in under time without cutting Syesha's swan song off like some Short Subject Documentary Film maker at the Academy Awards. But the opening number? *shudders* You gotta love David Cook for somehow managing to do the cheesy dance bits while singing the cheesy song with full energy and STILL not look like he's selling out.

Next up, Fantasia and her interpretive dance of a woman having a seizure while wearing a velour track suit...er, I mean, single off her new album. I'm actually a little bit frightened. Simon's reaction shot says it all. Just to be safe, I'm going to buy her record the millisecond it goes on sale.

Up next, the homecoming montages.

David Archuleta: If you watched footage of Archie getting overwhelmed and teary-eyed over the massive reception he got at his hometown and STILL think he's fake or superficial, then you are dead inside and I am sad for you. Make some hot chocolate, pet a fluffy bunny and read Charlotte's Web, STAT.

Syesha: She goes to Tampa Bay (go Bucs!) and is thrown a huge reception, a mall party in her honor, and a human infant. If I were her, I would IMMEDIATELY go out and have T-shirts printed up that read, "I was in the Top 3 on American Idol and all I got was this lousy baby."

David Cook: According to the flight tracker on David's private jet that took him home to Missouri, he flew right over my town. Jealous? Also, they threw a parade for him which is exactly what they were supposed to do. Good on ya, Missouri. Recognize!

Then the show gets down to business.

Ryan has a Paula moment and says that David C sang something by Chaka Kahn, there's footage of our boy in a pink tie (awww!) and then Archuleta is safe. Of COURSE he is!

Then David C is declared a finalist to no one's surprise, including Syesha. (I do wonder, though, if this David v. David finale is the big one Simon hinted he wanted.)

Anyhoo, Syesha sings and prepares for a long and glorious career on Broadway. Here's hoping she doesn't do one play then come back to American Idol and scare the bejeezus out of everyone.

All in all, I am very happy with the results. Both guys deserve to be there and the finale should be very entertaining and informative. I take back what I said about Archie not having a chance. His fanbase is a strong one and I think it will be a very close call. I'm a David C gal, but if Archie wins, I'd be extremely happy for him. Both of these guys are going to do just fine, anyway. No record executive in her right mind would take one look at the sobbing mobs of girls at BOTH guys' receptions and not see huge dollar signs. Go Davids!

Up next...

Tuesday, Tuesday, TUESDAY! David "The Kid" Archuleta vs. David "The Man" Cook in a lyrical smackdown you have to see to believe!

Stare in awe as David C cracks a folding chair of a rock anthem over Archie's back!

Watch in amazement as Archie delivers a spinning pile-driver (Zangeif style!) of a power ballad right on Dave C's head! (But don't worry, Dave's okay. He's really strong and muscular.)

Oh, the carnage!

Next Tuesday, Tuesday, TUESDAY! Don't miss it! You'll pay for the whole seat, but you'll only need the EDGE!!!

finale

2008-05-15T14:30:55Z

Next week, are they doing studio versions or is it just for the winner? It will be interesting to see which song they chose from the songwriter competition, I hope it's good this year and not like it was during Season 6. Hopefully these guys can pull it off. I think they'll both do well, but it will be interesting...

I can't believe this season is already almost over. It went by so fast. But, I've enjoyed watching each week and it was interesting to see the development from beginning to end, since this is the only season I've watched all the way through.

OKAY

2008-05-15T14:30:43Z

SO its David and David in the final round.. thats how i've been hoping it would be!! :D SQUEEE its so exciting.
{I wrote about my views on the final 2 here}

GAH

DAVID AND DAVID

GRAWW
<33

Second?

2008-05-15T14:30:11Z

I don't have the memory for this kind of stuff but figure someone in this community probably does... is it true that every winner so far has sung second on finale night?

americanidol @ 2008-05-15T09:50:00

2008-05-15T14:30:09Z

I can't find a video or official source for this story, but I watched it on Fox News last night, so I know the interview is legit. (There's mention of it on the MyIDOL Forums.)

Blake Lewis was interviewed about last year's American Idol finale. And he said he believes he was "shafted" when it came to the finale song, "This Is My Now."

He said something about how the producers wouldn't let him change anything in the song, including the melody or the style. He believes because that wasn't his style of music, that's why he didn't win AI.

Now, it is kind of whiny of him, especially since his debut album didn't do all that great.

However, he has a point. His whole thing on Idol last year was his beatboxing and how he could change up songs. So forcing him to do a standard, sappy ballad did kind of hurt him.

And I was wondering if you all think the producers will keep that rule this year. Because I could see the same thing happening to DCook. He has been so successful this year because of his rocker voice and great skills with arranging songs (or picking good arrangements).

If he's forced to sing some sappy ballad like "This Is My Now" without any changes or style to it, I could see him potentially bombing it, whereas little David will thrive because that's what he's been doing all season.

Thoughts?

AI Results - on to the finals - 5/14/08

2008-05-15T14:30:08Z

Only two more of these to write this year...in the audience, we focus on Losers Row: Ramiele, Kristy Lee, and Michael Johns. Oh, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is still trying to figure out if either of the Davids will sleep with him, or how fast he can get Syesha to bomb on Broadway.

The top 3 sing "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" and are completely outshined by the backup vocalists. Archie loses the dance steps. Randy and Paula are sadly trying to look hip while dancing. Another Losers Row: Chikezie, David H, and Amanda. One of these people has never taken their clothes off for money - can you guess which one?

The Detroit Automaker Video is "Heaven", and it features the Idols going into a fortune teller, and finding out that Heaven is evidently about getting every material possession, fame, and fortune that you could ever want. Leave it to Idol, yet again, to completely miss the point of a song.

56 million votes, most of whom were preteen through college girls. Recap.

Chris Tucker is here to sing, and has dyed his hair some sort of bronze/red. Where do I start with this? The rap/scat vocals? The Donald Duck on crack rant? The epileptic dance moves? The "what the HELL was that?" look on Simon's face? Look, for all of the hype, the crappy Lifetime movie, and the back story, this fact remains: the only reason that Fantasia is not the worst winner of AI so far is because Taylor Hicks exists. Randy and Simon exchange glances like "YOU did this". Paula is sleeping.

Summer tour pitch. Jordin Sparks gets a stamp.

Results, kind of. Archuleta (Latin for "sickingly sweet") is first. His home visit is the usual. The Fox interview. Cheerleaders he was scared of in high school. Radio. Screaming preteens everywhere. Lots of tears. He says "Gosh" a hundred times. HIgh school. The mayor, Colonel Mustard, is back. He sings "Imagine". I try to imagine he didn't sing the same way every time. A Utah Jazz game. He is embarrassed by the tears. Ryan toys with him again. This kid will believe anything...he's going to get screwed over by the music business so badly it isn't even funny - no one has ever needed a good manager more badly. His AI highlight reel is shown.

Syesha goes home to Florida. Fox does this show, in case your forgot. Gets her own "day". Cries. Parade. High school. Her dad is on a "natural high", which beats the high he used to pursue. Helicopter ride. Singing "Proud Mary" in Sarasota. More tears. "This is my dream". Your dream is to come in third on an overrated talent show? Um...OK. Her journey over "I Believe".

David Cook, originally, wasn't going to audition. He brings his brother Andrew on stage. He goes home to Blue Springs, MO. Weather report on Fox. Mini concert - "Living on a Prayer". Elementary school. Parade. First pitch at a Royals' game. Even he cries. Daughtry sings during his replay.

All three to center stage for the most anticlimactic results ever. Randy slobbers on all three, Paula says they're all winners, and Simon likes all three. 56 million votes (we know). Archie is in. So is the other David. Which leaves us with the inevitable comparisons: the innocent kid vs. the bartender. The one who has been raised to do this against the guy who was pushed into doing it. Good cop/bad cop. Cook vs Cookie Jar. A shot of whiskey vs. a glass of Kool-Aid. Etc.

Oh, and Syesha lost, so she sings "If I Ain't Got You" again. We ain't got you, Syesha. Good luck settling on a personality, and making third rates movies where the script calls for Halle Berry, and the budget calls for Fred "Rerun" Berry. Next week: the finals, where the two Davids sing the horrible "winner's song", and Cook figures out if he really wants to win this thing or not. Oh, and 119 minutes of hype in the results show before they announce who wins.

Top 3 results show poll

2008-05-15T02:08:12Z

Here is the poll for tonight's episode.

View Poll: #1188080

Discussion Post: Episode 7.40 - Top 2 Results Show

2008-05-15T01:02:17Z

Discussion Post: Episode 7.40
Top 2 Results Show - One finalist goes home!

• This is the official discussion post for tonight's episode.
• Please remember to abide by the community rules when posting.
• If there are any issues in the comments of this post, please let us know at idolmod. Make sure to include a link to the comment(s) in question!
• All other posts will be moderated as usual, and any posts that contain spoilers but no cut tag will be rejected.
• Please include subject lines in your comments to make viewing easier for those who watch the show after its initial airing.
• As the show airs, I will list the eliminated contestant under the cut.

There will be spoilers in the comments!

Predicted Elimination:
(From lifeofbai's community poll)
Syesha Mercado (95.8%)

Going Home: Syesha Mercado

Sorry this was late, guys!

Randy got it WRONG last night

2008-05-14T23:11:36Z

Check out this vid I found on YouTube of David Archuletta singing an Alicia Keys song when he was on Star Search -

Maybe Randy should have had David singing AK instead of Syesha! And check out Stage Dad singing along with him in the crowd. Talk about living through your kid's talent!

I'm so excited about tonight's results! At first I didn't want David Cook to win but that's because of the "crappy idol contract" excuse. He WANTS to win, he NEEDS to win. DC FTW!!!!!

Nuff said. :)