Season 7 in the Books: David Cooke Wins Idol!

Was I surprised...not really. I knew when Simon apologized to him that he was pretty much the winner. Not to shabby of a finale. I was a little bored, but Cooke's performances seemed a little more polished than David Archuletta's. Either way the top three this season will end up with record deals, David Cooke, David Arculetta, and Syesha Mercado.
I would like to take an opportunity to thank all of you who have read and listened to the podcast all season (just about 40,000) of you - and from almost every state in the US to as far away as Australia. Also thanks to those of you who tuned into our 'Idol Thoughts Live' shows - the archive can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/IdolThoughts

The site will be active during the offseason, and we'll be doing podcasts about once a month to keep you updated on the latest happenings with the show as we head toward Season 8 next January and have a great Summer!

Thank you again for all of your reactions and support.

- Justin Phillips
http://www.idolthoughts.us
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/IdolThoughts
http://justinphillips.voices.com

Idol Thoughts: Finale: David vs David

Well, it was sort of boring for me...in all honesty. Both had great performances. Lets start with David Cooke. (I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For). He was very comfortable on stage and it showed. His vocals were perfect. (Dream Big, 2nd song) was pretty good. I liked the lighting, plus it had some pretty solid tempo. His third song (The World I Know) was pretty solid too, but could have been seen as safe. The judges killed him on all three performances of the night.
On the other hand, David Archuletta(Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me), was alright. It was the 'Clive Davis' pick of the night, as U2 was for David Cooke. (In This Moment) was a total YUCK for me...vocal was okay, but the song was horrible, and I don't know why he rehashed 'Imagine'. We've heard that before.

Overall it could go anyway, if you've listened to the podcasts and read the previous blogs you know how I feel. I'm pulling for David Cooke.
Don't forget, you can download the performances from the entire season from all the contestants by clicking the ITunes link above.

Let me know your thoughts, email me: idolthoughts@clearwire.net

Heading into the Finale!

Well it's the battle of the David's...David Archuletta vs David Cooke.

I received some rather entertaining emails over the weekend from folks across the country and their thoughts on the final two this season.

Dalena wrote in and said: David Archuleta should take this season's title in American Idol. He has a voice that no others have. It's very soothing. He seems more down to earth then David Cook. He's still young, but he proves that the young ones, can go far and do better and he told us that by making it to the finale. As for David Cook, he's very talented. His voice has a mixture of rock quality with his range. But at times, he can be a little arrogant and full of himself. But I have to admit, Cook's voice is quite strong & could take Archuleta's anyday. But we already have many people with Cook's voice and none with David Archuleta's.

  I agree with her statement. Archuletta would be a breath of fresh air, but does America want another young person to grow with or a more seasoned rocker who already has all the established musical gifts that a slightly older generation can grow with?

When all is said and done I feel that Archuletta will probably win out since most of the voters are younger and LOVE him.

Julia wrote in and said: is for sure the best. maybe he doesn't have the stage presence of cook but he has the most powerful voice ever! and i believe this is a singing competition! I personally do not think that cooks vocals are strong at all. i think he would be good in concert but not on a cd.

   I understand what she is saying, Archuletta's voice would be fantastic on a CD as well, but David Cooke could be equally entertaining. Who would I rather see in concert? Probably David Cooke, but I'm also a 32 year old male. Either way they are both phenomenal performers and will both have record deals.

As far as who will go farther in their career, Archuletta is the one to beat. I think the 'rock' sound is somewhat diminished now with Daughtry, Bo Bice, Creed, and now David Cooke - although is version of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' was amazing. Cooke is the more versatile performer in my mind. I think David Archuletta could get there, but he's young and will have a great following for a long time.

Elizabeth wrote in and took the 'youngness factor' approach:

David Cook is much better looking and is so much more of an all around talent. 

David A should not win this thing for his own good.  He's got a great voice, but is simply much too young to handle that will happen next. 

David Cook is mature, sexy, with a great stage presence -- not the golly gosh gee persona the 'other' David can only put forth.

 

I agree with her on the point of being young and vulnerable going into the music business, and with a father who has a short temper and doesn't like 'producers' very much. His career could start off on the wrong foot. On the other hand, David Cooke 'knows' what he has and what he can do and is already prepared for the next 'level.' It seems as though he has been since about two months ago.

More on this in the podcast. Don't forget you can download any of the performances this season by clicking on the ITunes link above.

David vs David

So Who Takes the Title?
do you like either choice? Of course, David Archuletta has the teenie bopper vote for "Cutest Idol", and David Cooke has the older vote for "Cutest Idol".....so who's it gonna be?
let me know..post a comment below or email us at idolthoughts@clearwire.net

Check out the latest podcast...Ken Barnes USA Today blog is mentioned, plus Syesha's interview and a shorter Results show next season. Check it out above....

and don't forget you can purchase any of the songs from this season right on this page!
Click the ITunes link above..

JP

Idol Thoughts: Fever Right off the Show...

Talk about a BAD song choice...it was what doomed Syesha on American Idol.
Don't forget you can purchase any of the songs this week, and this season by clicking on the ITunes Idol Link above.
Starting off the night was David Archuletta, (And So It Goes, With You, Longer Than)
His first song was solid and a nicve way to start the evening. I'm not quite sure he decided to go after a Chris Brown song second, it didn't fit him at all and Dan Fogelberg last (albeit Producers choice) I totally did not get whatsoever. Although David has a pretty loyal following and a stronger fanbase than any other contestant this season.

Syesha(If I Ain't Got You, Fever, Hit Me Up) - her performance of the first song(Alicia Keys) was solid, but safe in my mind. I'm not sure why she sent cabaret for the second song, but her vocal was solid and I don't think she deserved the criticism from the judges for her performance. Her third song was a little off, upbeat, but I didn't get it. Her fanbase could have grown by leaps and bounds last night, but with the judges comments I think she blew it.

Third was David Cooke, (The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Dare You to Move, Don't Wanna Miss a Thing)...ok, the guy is ready to go. I think it was a little political to sing Don't Wanna Miss a Thing with Diane Warren(the writer) in the audience, but it was solid.

I feel bad for Syesha who got this close to her dream, had some bad song choices and is headed home. More about that in the podcast, posted shortly. You can check it out by clicking above.

Let me know your thoughts.... email: idolthoughts@clearwire.net

Idol Thoughts: Top 4: Who Shot Their Chance....

the show last night was somewhat dull for me. Some of the performances were great, several were forgettable, and two of the contestants, in my opinion played it very safe. Don't forget you can click the 'ITunes' link above to purchase any of the music heard on this seasons show.

Down to four contestants and starting off the night was David Cooke. (As we did last week we'll recap both performances at once.)

Overall it was a pretty standard night for David Cooke. He started the night with (Duran Duran) Hungry Like the Wolf, solid vocal..I would have liked to see him involve the audience a little more, maybe use the stage behind the judges. His second song (The Who) Baba O'Riley was HIS song of the night. He hit all the notes and will propel into the Top 3.

Up second last night was Syesha. Her first song was more show/performance than straight up vocal. (Tina Turner) Proud Mary. I wasn't sure if she had the attitude to pull it off, but she did a pretty good job. Her second song came from her heart, (Sam Cooke), a Change is Gonna Come and was performed as good as any of the performances of the night.

Third of the evening was the disaster that was Jason Castro (Bob Marley), I Shot the Sheriff and (Bob Dylan) Mr Tambourine Man will send him packing tonight. I feel bad for Brooke and Carly.....

Fourth on the night was a very solid David Archuletta on Stand By Me. There was an emotional connection. He's learning to 'talk to the camera' really well. His second song of the evening (Elvis) Love Me Tender, was a nice way to end the evening.
Some solid and safe performances and one clearly headed home.......

For more, check out the latest podcast listed above and if you haven't had a chance yet, check out the latest 'Idol Thoughts LIVE' show we did last week by clicking the BlogTalkRadio link at the top of the page.

What were YOUR Thoughts on this weeks performances...Let me know at idolthoughts@clearwire.net

Idol Thoughts: Top4: Rock and Roll All Night...

Don't forget to check out our 2nd LIVE Show, Idol Thoughts Live to the right.
Let us know your favorite Rock and Roll songs by clicking comment below, or email us
at idolthoughts@clearwire.net

Idol Thoughts Live!

We had another Idol Thoughts Live show on BlogTalkRadio!
Check it out on the BlogTalkRadio Listen Live Link....


JP

Idol Thoughts: Top5: Snoozin' With Neil

I do like Neil Diamond, however I was bored last night. The contestants both had two songs from a vast library to choose from, we heard from the judges once and Neil looked pretty good for his age too!
Don't forget you can purchase the full versions of the songs heard last night by clicking on the ITunes link above. We're going to break down both performances as we go along from each contestant. Up first was Jason Castro.

Jason seemed a little less charming last night, but did what he could with his song choices. In the end, I'm not sure it's going to save him. (Forever in Blue Jeans.) I enjoyed this version, it was nice to hear a different voice on it, he seemed like he was having fun with it as well. (September Morn), this version was vastly different. It was like he was trying to channel Neil while singing. He wasn't as comfortable and it may just cost him.

David Cooke second, (Alive, All I Really Need is You), the latter was his better performance for the evening. There were more emotional 'guts' to it. this guy is ready to go and sell records now. He's pretty much above and beyond the rest of the field this season.

Brooke, up next started(I'm a Believer), if there is anyone who should sing and not do anything else, it's Brooke. She seemed very uncomfortable playing/strumming the guitar and trying to stay on mic as well as on pitch. It seemed a little hokie to me. She redeemed herself nicely(I Am I Said) with her second song. Just her and a piano and a very emotional vocal. She was in her element.

David Archuletta, (Sweet Caroline, America). I enjoyed the first performance better than the second. He was having a great time and his vocals were pretty good too. It sounded like the mic popped on America about 3/4 of the way through, but solid performances from Little Davie.

Syesha needed a solid comeback week and got it. (Hello Again, Thank the Lord for the Nighttime.) The first song was poignant and a very solid performance. It was nice to see Syesha hitting some of those notes. Her second song was upbeat and had a different sound all together. She was able to put some 'attitude' into the song, which was nice to hear with a female singing.

Overall an okay night, the winners David Cooke and Syesha. The Bottom two: Brooke(that first song was pretty bad) and Jason Castro(he just didn't resonate as anything that was very memorable on the night for me.)

Check out the podcast for more on last night, and don't forget Natasha Beddingfield and Neil Diamond performing tonight on the show.

Let me know your thoughts on last night. Shoot me an email: idolthoughts@clearwire.net

Idol Thoughts: Carly No More....

I was a little upset at the vote last night as Carly heads home after last years struggles with her Visa and returning this year. Ending in the Top 6 is bitter sweet, but we'll hear from her again.
This upcoming week is Vocal Coach Neil Diamond...lots of tunes to pick from and I can't wait to see what David Cooke does....let me know what songs you would like to hear by clicking 'Comment' below.

We'll mention them in tomorrow's podcast...

thanks,
JP

Idol Thoughts: Top 6: Music of the Night...Not Too Shabby....

The theme of the evening ws the music of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was a great night to hear what the contestants did with these Musical numbers. Some stayed to form, others took the arrangements in different directions. To get the evening started was a very well dressed Syesha...
Syesha(One Rock and Roll Too Many(Starlight Express) was a great song to start off the evening. Uptempo, she showed some attitude and looked awesome and was totally having fun. This was Syesha's comeback week and did she ever need it. She needs to use this week as a confidence builder for the coming weeks to remain in the competition.
2nd, Jason Castro, (Memory from Cats), his version was lacking personality. In the end it looked as if he almost said to himself, "I'm glad that's over." He should have gone with a different song. It was boring to me. His vocal was okay, but it didn't really do that much, it wasn't memorable. Jason is definitely in the bottom three this week.
3rd, Brooke, (You Must Love Me, Evita) was more like...its starting so dull. You MUST Start Over! - this is the second time she has done this and she may be burned on it tonight. (More on this in today's podcast.) She needed to go with the flow of the song. Her performance lacked because of her starting over and her nerves completely showed. Not a great performance, but fanbase could possibly bail her out this week.
4th, David Archuletta, (Think of Me - Phantom of the Opera), was, in a way, a breath of fresh air. I could see his version and hear it on the radio. He took a theatrical song and turned it into a pop ballad. He delivered it very nicely and broke up the monotony of the night somewhat for me.
5th, Carly, (Jesus Christ Superstar), rocked out pretty good. She had fun on stage, and that's part of the game. I'm not sure that performance will keep her out of the bottom three, but David Archuletta's fanbase is bigger than her's. She'll remain in the competition, but may fall into the bottom three this week and be 'safe.'
6th, David Cooke (Music of the Night - Phantom of the Opera), was a haunting version of a signature 'musical' song. He delivered it perfectly and this guy can sing the phone book and people would buy it. He added to his rising stock last night.

the bottom three this week...Brooke, Jason and Carly..who heads home and Brooke's 2nd "Do Over" will be among the topics discussed in the podcast. Don't forget you can purchase any of the performances by clicking on the ITunes link at the top of the page and we'll catch you on Friday with your Post-Week comments.

Let me know your thoughts. Click 'Comment' below....

JP

Idol Thoughts: Top 6..Composing a Masterpiece?

This week it's coach Andrew Lloyd Webber. Think Phantom of the Opera....What do you see the contestants performing this week. Let me know below...

JP

Your Idol Thoughts: Favorites and Firsts....

There was a caller this past week who asked the judges their first albums they bought. So I thought we would use that as a forum this weekend. Click 'comment' below and tell me the first album you bought, or your favorite song or album. If you have a story about it, share it as well.
I'll include it in an upcoming podcast or as a topic for the next 'Idol Thoughts Live' show...

JP

Idol Thoughts: Top 7: Can We Carey a Tune?

For the first time this season, Idol stepped into the world of today..well, more along the lines of about 15 years ago, but it was better than it has been. Mariah Carey was the vocal coach and some of her biggest, and not so biggest hits were performed. (I'm really glad that one one chose to do 'Glitter'.
Before we get into the performances, don't forget you can purchase any of last night's performances by clicking on the ITunes link above. Getting it all started last night was David Archuletta.

(When You Believe) - probably not the best performance I've seen from him, but it was solid. The teenie bopper vote will more than likely put him through, but he is a choice for me for the bottom three this week.
2nd, Carly, (Without You), this performance was the beginning of people sounding like Mariah..almost till the end. However her performance was pretty good and she looked like she was getting into the emotion of the song.
3rd, Syesha, doing a song not as well known as the others, (Fantasy), her song choice was a little awkward, I understand she is trying to get away from the more popular tunes, but it may have cost her the competition. Vocally she was very good.
4th, Brooke(Hero), she did a great job with the performance, but I think America is getting tired of tired, slow sounding Brooke. I do realize this is her bread and butter, but do something original and different, or go home. (She may not have much of a choice soon on the latter)
5th, Kristi Lee, (Forever), I enjoyed this performance, the 'countrification' wasn't necessary and her high notes were awesome. It was the better of the female performances of the night, if nothing else it was the most upbeat.
6th, David Cooke, (Always Be My Baby). OK, David is ready to go and sell records he is in a totally different league from the other six. It was totally brilliant and at times haunting. He made it his own, which is what the show is all about.
7th, Jason, (I Don't Wanna Cry), it was not a bad performance, I liked the almost latin flair it had, ir reminded me of a Jason Mraz song with his vocals. Solid performance.

I want to know your Thoughts on last night. Click 'Comment' below and tell me who's continuing on and who's leaving.
The bottom three this week...pretty easy...Syesha, Brooke, and David Archuletta.
Who's headed home. Check out the podcast listed above....

Idol Thoughts: Fun Weekend and The Top 7

First off, thanks to all you who listened and participated in 'Idol Thoughts Live' - our first live show...we're going to do it again in a few weeks...look for details soon.
You can listen to the full show by clicking on the Blog Talk Radio logo on the right.

As far as this week, Brooke needs to step it up or she may be going the way of Michael, Ramiele and those before them. More on the podcast above.....

JP

Let us know your thoughts on the 'Live' show by clicking 'Comment' below.

Idol Thoughts: Top 8, Inspiring Songs, But Art Thou Inspired?

It's Idol Gives Back week, which means, as predicted...songs of inspiration. Some of the performances were good, would I go as far as saying inspiring - probably not.
Don't forget if you enjoyed the performances from this week you can purchase the full length versions by clicking on the ITunes link above.
At this point in the competition I'm looking for 'knock it out of the park' performances. Let's see how the evening unfolded...
Up first, in - at least for the past few weeks - the dreaded #1 slot is Michael. (Dream On)...I enjoyed his rendition of the song, it was a good way to start the night...upbeat, however the judges picked him apart. Simon made a good point saying he should have done a bluesy/jazz version like the song he did last week.
2nd, Syesha, (I Believe) - this may be her week to go. Two weeks in a row, two bad song choices. Of all the songs she could have chosen she sings the 'signature song' of Fantasia, and the judges let her know. Ouch.
3rd, Jason, (Over the Rainbow) This performance was one of the better ones he has done on the show, although the song has seen better in recent years with Katherine McPhee. However, the version he chose was by Iz Kamakawiwo'ole. It was nice and playing the ukulele was a nice touch.
4th, Kristi Lee, (Anyway), it was nice to hear Kristi Lee in her comfort zone doing country, and sounding pretty good as well. Her vocals were solid and she hit some great highs toward the end of the song. Her star is rising this week.
5th, David, (Innocent), was not a song that really had a chance to get into the main stream. He's ready to sell records, but after last night he may have stumbled a little. I think his fanbase will pull him through to next week though.
6th, Carly, (The Show Must Go On), picking a Queen song is always going to get you comparisions, but her version was angry, and on the verge of mad at some points. I like Carly, but her performance last night may drop her into the bottom three this week.
7th, David Archuletta (Angels), the original is one of my favorite songs. David did a pretty good job with it, he used more emotion with the lines toward the end of the song which is what I really enjoy about his singing.
8th, Brooke(You've Got a Friend), it was clear she was singing to some people who were in the audience, but she pulled out every inch of emotion you can pull out of that song. Her rendition was solid, but boring I thought.

Who's in the bottom three? Syesha, Carly, and Michael as far as who is headed home. Check out the latest podcast above...We'll also discuss musical comparisons because there were a lot of them last night....

Now it's your turn, let me know what your Thoughts are. Click 'comments' below

Idol Thoughts: Idol Gives Back...Possible Song Choices

It's Idol Gives Back this week on the show. The big question is..Will they send someone home? If they do...it may not be the person who had the worse performance. It's all about fanbase and this week, with many more people watching someone could be in serious jeopardy of winning this competition.
More on the updated podcast listed above...plus, give me your possible 'inspirational' performances for this week...

Your Idol Thoughts: Idol Gives Back...

The upcoming week is going to be filled with stories and children, all of which are good..it's the kind of week that makes us realize how good we have it in the United States. Last year the contestants performed songs from the heart....what songs do you see the contestants doing this upcoming week. Let me know my posting comments here.

JP

Idol Thoughts: Top 9...An Alright Night for Country....

With 9 performances to get to in an hour, they got right to it. Dolly Parton was the coach and she looked great....sounded pretty good too. Don't forget if you would like to purchase any of last night's performances you can click the link above.
Up first was Brooke(Jolene), song started pretty good and ended on a solid note, and unlike previous weeks it was pretty upbeat. I enjoyed her performance.
Second was David Cooke, who didn't sing like a (Sparrow), but nailed the song. He was as solid this week as he was last, and if not for another guy would have had the best performance of the night.
Third, Ramielle, (Do I Ever Cross Your Mind), after that performance...I would have to say no. There was a simplicity and a blandness about it that made it forgettable and she didn't use her range very effectively. At times she was even hard to hear.
Fourth, Jason, with a fun, upbeat and folky version of (Travelin' Thru), not sure if it will win him votes, but he looked like he was comfortable and having fun with it, which is half the battle with American Idol.
Fifth, Carly slowing things down (Here You Come Again) - I enjoyed the performance, the emotion came through and she was a lot more comfortable this week on stage compared to last week. Carly should be safe this week.
Sixth, David Archuletta (Smokey Mountain Memories), smoked the song. It was the best performance of the night for me. He is back on his game from the past two weeks and the girls love him.
Seventh, Kristi Lee (Coat of Many Colors) - I thought country week would be her strong point, but the judges didn't really see it. She did a pretty good job and not as bad as some of the other girls this week.
Eighth, Syesha (I Will Always Love You) - Syesha is going to be a superstar, but that song could have cost her everything. It's tough to do a song that is going to be compared to the artist who did it best, which is exactly what happened while she was performing it.
Ninth, Michael (All Wrong, But It's Alright) - I liked what Michael did with this song. He made it bluesy and cool. His vocals were very solid, he had a solid night.

Now, the not so easy part. Who's headed home....It's between Ramielle, Jason, and Syesha this week..at least that is my gut feeling. For more, check out the updated podcast above.
Don't forget to leave your comments below....

Idol Thoughts: Top 9...Podcast Updated...

We're previewing the Week for the Top 9..Dolly Parton is the vocal coach...could that mean a country themed week for the contestants? If so, what should they sing...will country girl Kristi Lee do well? Who may be at risk?
A blog listener has some input. check out the latest podcast above....

-- JP