Hmmm. . . a teenager, an actress and a bartender. . . fighting for the title of American Idol. Who will win? Who wants it most? I have some theories. . .
I’ve mentioned more than a few times that there’s something in Lil’ David’s eyes. It’s very possibly the reason his natural singing style is to keep them closed. Now that he’s consciously trying to connect with the audience by keeping them open, they say a lot. I’ve always seen them tinged with a deep sadness, even when he’s talking to Ryan and listening to the judges. At first, I thought it was nerves, but I think he’s sad. Sad and scared --- sad that his dad can’t just enjoy this journey with him, but that he has to be such an ass he’s been banned from backstage. And I think there’s fear in his eyes, too. Fear that he just might win the title and fear that, when it’s over and if he wins, his dad will have access to him again and will most probably make his life miserable. I’m hoping that Lil’ David has someone who is talking to him about the possibility of being emancipated and I hope if that happens, someone will take him under their wing and protect him from the other people in the world who would love to exploit him, other than his dad. So, unless he knows he can be free from his dad if he wins, I’m guessing at this point he really doesn’t want it at all.
And Syesha --- well, we’ve all seen her suddenly become totally relaxed in front of the audience. She claims she’s decided she’s “just going to have fun” and that her stage fright is over. I think that she’s fine knowing that she’s not going to win, and she knows that she will whisked off to Broadway and enjoy what she enjoys --- acting and singing. She knows she’s not going to win, but she’s good with that.
David knows he has a really good chance to win, but I think he’s a little worried, too. Winning will totally change his life and take him away from his family, and especially his brother, who is so sick right now and may not survive. It would be sad to know that something he’s always dreamed about will take him away from his family during this family crisis.
But, I think David Cook wants it the most right now, and I’m hoping he gets it.
Okay, so the show opens with the usual introduction of the judges. Paula looks great for once --- hair is done nicely and it looks like she has a demure little eyelet dress that actually has a lining. She looks as if she’s dressed age-appropriate for once. But my first judgment of her wardrobe for the night is proved oh, so wrong, when later in the night Paula stands up and reveals that what I thought was a demure little dress is actually just the top part of a leather bustier!! I should have known better than to think Paula could or would dress decently!!
Last night’s show required the contestant to sing three songs each: one chosen by one of the judges, one chosen by the producers and one of their own choosing.
This year’s hometown visits were drastically downplayed --- at most a 45-second clip announcing the judge’s song choice for each of them. None of the tearful reactions at parades in their honor from past years.
Paula chose Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” for Lil’ David. And, that started my next rant.
I cannot tell you how sick and tired I am of hearing the judges talk about the contestants having chosen songs by big artists, and songs that are “too big” for them. But, when it’s time for the judges to choose songs, they select songs by artists like Billy Joel, Roberta Flack and Alicia Keyes. Can’t get much bigger than those three!! I mean, if the contestants had made those choices themselves, they’d have been reamed during judging!! Unfair!!
At any rate, Paula chose probably my most favorite Billy Joel song (and I was quite the Billy Joel fan back in the day). I enjoyed hearing the song so much that I’ll be downloading both versions (Lil’ David’s AND Billy Joel’s) to my iPod today. I thoroughly enjoyed Lil’ David’s take on the song and thought he sang it flawlessly. Perfect but somewhat predictable choice for him, though.
Randy chose Alicia Keyes’ “If I Ain’t Got You” for Syesha. Technically, she was right on, but it was really just Syesha singing Alicia Keyes --- she sounded like her and didn’t try to make any changes or even sing it like Syesha. She had some trouble with the high notes, but she did look great in her gorgeous dress. However, the song choice was predictable for Syesha and was one she might have chosen for herself.
Simon chose “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. Say what you will, but Simon had the right idea --- not a song-style you would imagine David singing, also a song originally done by a woman --- how much further out of his comfort range could he push him??? And all I can say is “WOW”. Totally believable coming from him!!
Lil’ David’s personal choice was “With You” by Chris Brown. Eager to show he’s more than a balladeer, he let go a little with this song. I think he did well, he’s no Chris Brown, but, hey, he didn’t do badly for a 17-year old white boy!!
Syesha’s choice was “Fever” by Peggy Lee --- the judges thought it was an odd choice for her to make, but, if you think about the possibility of Syesha going directly to theatre, this was the perfect choice for her. She did a decent job, but this performance, again this week, was more about the incredibly short dress and sexy moves than about her singing ability. She really played the sex card on this one!!
David personal choice was “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot. I’ve only heard this on the soundtrack to “Walk to Remember”, but he did an excellent job and made me want to hear it again. Smart move!!
I think the producers are good at their job, because they proved they really don’t know anything about music by the choices they made.
Lil’ David sang Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer” --- too saccharine sweet even for David, although he sang it flawlessly. Whether it’s the tone of his voice or his little riffs, he always manages to make a song his own, no matter how bad the song is.
Rhianna’s “Hit Me Up” was the producers choice for Syesha. Again, a predictable choice for Syesha, but I thought it was just okay.
And Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” for David??? Talk about predictable?? Haven’t they watched the show?? Don’t they know that he seems to do best with songs that SEEM to be way out of his comfort zone?? This was predictable, but again, a very solid performance.
I’m thinking the Jason Castro fans have fled to David Cook’s camp, making him safe this week.
I’m sure Syesha will be going home.
I think once Syesha is gone, her fans will flock to the Lil’ David camp.
If that happens, it will be a very, very close race to the finish. However, if it’s not the two Davids who go on to the final show next week, I’ll be totally shocked.
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