‘American Idol’: Oh, Paula
by Reed Dunn
Judge Paula Abdul, right, gives a hug to contestant Carly Smithson after last week’s results show.
After reading reports this morning from last night’s episode of American Idol, it sounds like I really missed a show. What happened with Paula Abdul? Is it really possible for her to be even more confused than normal?
But after reading several other blogs and reviews, it sounds like the votes still should be coming in for David Cook and David Archuleta to stick around for a while, while Jason Castro and Brooke White still are standing on shaky ground. Syesha Mercado remains to be standing somewhere in the middle.
Your thoughts on the contestants? Or that wacky Paula Abdul?
American Idol, Paula Abdul, Jason Castro, Brooke White, David Cook, David Archuleta, Syesha Mercado
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April 30th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Jason REALLY needs to go. He might sing really well… for a coffeehouse, but he clearly has no range. All his songs sound the same. He brings nothing to the table.
As for Brooke? I’m actually from Mesa, AZ as well and WANT to root for her, but she doesn’t come across as, well, current. Since we’re looking for someone who would be a star in today’s industry, I don’t think she’d garner much of a following. Good voice, plays up to her nervousness way too frequently, makes excuses way too frequently (a ploy Jason tried last night… maybe he’s learning from Brooke.)
Syesha: She’s surprising the heck out of me. Improving over her first few weeks, I think she has the stuff to stay around a couple more weeks. Now, would I have said that if Brooke and Jason were already voted off and Michael and Carly were still in the game? No. But as the game board looks NOW, she’s certainly better than the above two.
David A: Let me start by saying I LOVED him on Star Search. That boy had a set of pipes on him! And I LOVED his vocals when he sang to Kelly Clarkson and clan in the hotel lobby. I thought he’d go far. Now? His song choices are predictable and boring. He doesn’t use his voice to belt out the songs as I have seen in the past. In the end, do I feel he has the talent to win this competition? Eh, ask me in a few years, when he’s actually choosing his own songs and has reclaimed his style.
Of course, that leaves David Cook. I’ve been impressed by him since I first saw him audition and knew he’d make it to the Top 12. Since he’s made it to the ‘big’ stage, he’s done nothing but dazzle me. Out of the 5, there’s really no comparison. I’ve read the comments that he’s arrogant, etc. Well, sure he is! Most talented people HAVE a certain confidence that comes across or may very well BE arrogance. That doesn’t mean he has less talent. He’s the only one up there, who still remains, that’s taken ANY chances at all with the songs, whether it be a lesser known arrangement, arranging something on his own, or simply picking a song that isn’t an “A” side (for those who remember 45s).
You wanted a comment on Paula, so let’s talk judges for a moment.
Randy has some pretty good things to say. I find that he isn’t too shy about saying he doesn’t like something. He tries to sugarcoat it, often. Simon? As many have said, he says what anyone who isn’t tone deaf is already thinking. Nothing wrong with that. I have RARELY disagreed with him. We’ve come to the point in the show where you have to WOW the judges and wow America. If you fall short of that? You may get the teeny bopper and old lady vote, but after the show is over and it’s not current for you to be on stage, your star will fizzle.
Last but not least, well…actually it is… Paula. I don’t know what her deal is. She is almost afraid to tell someone she doesn’t like a song. I think it’s her L A Laker days haunting her still. Paula, you’re no longer a cheerleader, you’re a JUDGE! Start acting like it! And grow up already! OK, rant over.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Our family of 5 has watched American Idol for 5 seasons and have loved it! I have never written any comments but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say what an AWESOME performance and SONG from Neil Diamond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL be buying the album on May 6th and our family appreciated you allowing him to sing such a wonderful song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for a wonderful show our whole family can enjoy!!
Christie Peachey
Christian, wife, mother,2nd grade teacher & fan