Brandon

By Brandon Scott

This is American Idol

Posted March 12, 2008

It’s back and bigger than ever. Although the most-watched show on television has been airing since January, the final 12 started their battle for the top spot on Tuesday night.

In just 12 weeks, your new Idol will be crowned. Will it be crowd favorite David Archuleta, the 17-year old who has already won on Star Search or could it be Carly Smithson, the 24-year old from Ireland who formerly had a recording contract with a Canadian record label? That’s why I’m here.

I’ve watched the show since Day One, when there were actually two hosts of the show and Idol skyrocketed Kelly Clarkson into music stardom.

Now, six years later, the show is still the most-watched series on television and its competitors have garnered five Grammys, 12 American Music Awards, 4 Country Music Awards, 37 Billboard Music Awards and even an Oscar.

Whether you watch it or not, American Idol has solidified its place in American pop culture.

Who will be the seventh Idol to join the exclusive club? We’re about to find out. Hope you enjoy the blog and feel free to make your own comments about the show.

THE FINALS: WEEK ONE

There had been a lot of speculation as to what the new set would look like and the audience was not disappointed as Idol rolled out its most elaborate stage to date. The elevated band made for a nice effect and the stage offered plenty of room for the top 12 to really shine as performers.

This week the Lennon/McCartney songbook was opened and it was one of the most anticipated theme weeks ever.

SYESHA MERCADO

“Got to Get You Into My Life”

She looked great as always, but the performance was not was I looking for to start off the show. She needed more punch, more energy and less pitch problems.

Prediction: It was nothing special, but I think she squeak by to next week.

CHIKEZIE

“She’s a Woman”

Wow. Can you say energy? It definitely wasn’t the best vocal of the night, but it didn’t matter. You make it look that fun, you’re going to get the votes. He started it out with a Bluegrass Rock feel. He was the first of the night to take a risk and it paid off. I have to send kudos to him on the falsetto that actually sounded good.

Prediction: Smooth sailing for Chikezie.

RAMIELE MALUBAY

“In My Life”

I almost forgot what she sang. I don’t remember a note. All I can remember about her performance was the awkwardness she had on the spiral staircase. I have to give her props for the solid vocal, but the song did nothing to show off her range.

Prediction: I think she may have predicted her own future by dedicating the song to her friend Danny Noriega who was voted off the previous week. Ramiele has a great chance of joining her axed buddy.

JASON CASTRO

“If I Fell”

I think Castro hit his peek last week with “Hallelujah.” (Note: Idol’s power on the public? That song is the No. 1 download on iTunes right now.) I think Castro did great, but nothing compared to last week. The guitar was nice to have, but sometimes I feel like he’s hiding behind it. I’d like to see him drop it next week and offer us something a little different than the “boyfriend playing a song for his girlfriend” type of sound. It’s going to get old.

Prediction: Since girls all over American are falling in love with him, I think he’s safe for a few weeks at least.

CARLY SMITHSON

“Come Together”

Carly really came out and nailed the song. It was strong throughout and almost a perfect vocal. It was a great song choice for her and I think most people will agree that it was possibly the best performance of the night. Simon compared her to Idol’s first winner Kelly Clarkson, but I’m not sold just yet.

Prediction: She’ll easily make it into next week.

DAVID COOK

“Eleanor Rigby”

David C. usually plays the guitar but he dropped it this week and it worked in his favor. When he first started, it was a scary moment for his fans. He was a little off rhythm and pitchy in a few spots, but when the chorus hit, it was awesome. He took a few liberties with the melody, but the risk was worth it. I’m not his biggest fan, but he’s growing on me.

Prediction: The chorus sends him to next week and puts his performance in the top 3.

BROOKE WHITE

“Let it Be”

Okay. I have to be honest. I’ve kind of got a crush on the blonde from Arizona and she sang one of my favorite songs. But, I have to disagree with the judges who thought she did an outstanding job. She was good at best. There was nothing spectacular about her performance or her vocal. The song is not that hard to sing if you stick the original melody, which she did. I was waiting for her to really shine and do something with the song. And she cried. I’m not a fan of the criers.

Prediction: She’s still hot and she sang well enough to make it for another week without being in the bottom three.

DAVID HERNANDEZ

“I Saw Her Standing There”

While, David. H. (who’s being termed by some media outlets as “the gay stripper”) has a strong voice, his performance was a little over the top. Okay, it was way over the top. It’s nice to show everyone you can sing well, but to cheese up a Beatles hit like that was going too far.

Prediction: He still has his supporters, so he’ll be safe this week.

AMANDA OVERMYER

“You Can’t Do That”

Amanda picked a great song from the Hard Days Night album and really nailed the song. She had that in your face, Amanda-style that seems to keep her going week after week. I’ve heard a few people mention that her sound is starting to get annoying though.

Prediction: You’ll get to hear her distinctive voice again next week.

MICHAEL JOHNS

“Across the Universe”

He had a decent performance, but nothing special. The Aussie has got to better than that in the future.

Prediction: Thankfully, he’ll get another chance next week to impress like in weeks past.

KRISTY LEE COOK

“8 Days a Week”

Ummm… WTF? Really? Seriously? (Listen at your own risk.) I didn’t think someone could completely destroy a classic Beatles song like she did. It’s cool if you want to try and make a song your own, but this was a risk that ended in catastrophe. I absolutely hated it. Heck, even Paula didn’t like it. (Note: I think Paula was actually sober Tuesday night.)

Prediction: She must leave. If any of you voted for her, you better be a relative. The only thing I hate is that when she is voted out Wednesday night, we’ll have to endure that horrendous crap that she called music.

DAVID ARCHULETA

"We Can Work it Out"

America’s favorite? Not so fast. Tuesday was his worst performance that the audience has seen him do. A few weeks ago he sang one of the best renditions of “Imagine” that I’ve ever heard and he’s consistently been the strongest performer. Some seem to think he’s the frontrunner, but he has to bounce back big next week to keep that title.

Prediction: Even though he forgot the words and had no connection with the song, his past and Archuleta Nation should be enough to keep him out of the bottom three.

BOTTOM THREE: Kristy Lee Cook, Ramiele Malubay, and Syesha Mercado

WHO SHOULD BE ELIMINATED: Kristy Lee Cook, but don't be shocked if Syesha goes home. I've watched enough Idol to know that Kristy will get some sympathy votes.

BEST PERFORMANCE: Carly Smithson