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Let the battle of the David’s begin! “American Idol” Latest Update - Results Show

By Craig Schrolucke | Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 09:30 PM

“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead opened tonight’s “American Idol.” Too bad there is stopping one of the Idol wannabes after America cast more than 56 million votes narrowing the Idol 7 cast to two.

Fantasia helped to get the crowd worked up tonight (May 14) with her electrifying performance and her electrifying red hair.

To get the drama going Ryan calls David Archuleta to the stage as we watch him on his trip home… tears and all. Ryan drags out the result suggesting the race is tight. Rather than giving us the result the show cuts away to another montage of Archuleta on his Idol journey… now a commercial.

Now it’s Syesha’s turn with Ryan. This time we travel with Syesha back to her home town where the people of Florida like to throw their babies at the Idol wannabe… and tear for Syesha too. I’m guessing we’ll travel along with David Cook before we find out who is out.

Yep, now it is David Cook’s turn to share his trip back to his hometown with America. In one of the more revealing tid bits. David is actually on the show because of his brother. It was is brother who was to audition. But in a quirky turn of events, it’s David who is one of the Idol contestants this season.

Cook’s trip back home included parades, cheerleaders and tears…

But who goes… more delays in getting the results… finally?….

Going tonight is…

Syesha Mercada

I think America got this right… do you agree?

If you want to see the Idol Tour - tickets go on sale Saturday.

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Can Syesha break up the Davids? Latest update on American Idol

By Ben McLaughlin | Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 08:35 PM

We get down to the final three, and Craig needs some help on the blog. No pressure on me, right?

Actually, the pressure is on Syesha Mercado, who has the unenviable position of trying to break up the coronation of the Davids — Archuleta and Cook. It seems like the judges and producers have wanted the two Davids in the finale from the start.

Tonight, the judges pick a song, the contestants pick one and the producers pick the last.

David Archuleta is up first, and he gets Paula, who chooses “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel.

My take: I didn’t like this compared to the Joel version. The arrangement made the song seem older to me, and David already makes me think he’s far older than 17.

Randy: You can sing anything … You are in the zone.

Paula: It was a pure and stunning performance, and tonight I really felt that you were a storyteller.

Simon: It was very good. No surprises, a bit predictable. It was good; I don’t think it was outstanding.

Syesha is up next, and Randy Jackson picks “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.

My take: I think she nailed it vocally, but because Randy picked a more current song by an artist who is hot now, I think it’s harder for Syesha to stand out. (This goes back to the copycat issue she was criticized for early in the competition.)

Randy: You did an amazing job on it … I am so happy that you are peaking at the right time in this competition.

Paula: It’s difficult to do a song that is so identifiable with the beautiful artist such as Alicia.

Simon: You sang that very well Syesha. I just wish that Randy had chosen something for you where you weren’t going to just try and sound like the original.

David Cook gets Simon, who picks “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. Simon says he picked it so David has a chance to show originality.

My take: I thought vocally he was a bit off on some of the notes, and that might be the first time I can remember thinking that about David. He did make it his own as the song moved along, but not as much as I thought he would.

Randy: I’ve been a David Cook fan since Day One. Loved the high note at the end, but I wish Simon would not have picked something that wasn’t as predictable as this older kind of song for you. I needed more rock from you.

Paula: That is one of my favorite songs, and now you are my second favorite person who sings it.

Simon: This may sound a little bit biased, but I thought it was actually one of your best performances to date. You take risks. Round One goes to Cook and Cowell.

Round Two

David Archuleta chooses “With You” by Chris Brown. David said he wanted to try something younger sounding.

My take: I think David gets a free pass from the judges at times. I think he blew the lyrics once and was out of synch with the music. He also had some diction problems. Not a good performance or choice. (I hope David’s dad doesn’t come after me for saying that.)

Randy: I applaud the fact that you are trying something new and young … I’m not sure it was the right song.

Paula: I think you should be singing songs like this … I would work on just getting right into it, not extending the phrases. I think you did a great job.

Simon: It was a little bit like a Chihauhua trying to be like a tiger. I thought it was all a little bit awkward. It wasn’t really you.

For her number, Syesha chose “Fever” by Peggy Lee.

My take: Fun performance, good vocals, but a bit predictable overall. It reminds me of why earlier in the season I said she would be better on Broadway.

Randy: Very interesting song choice at this point … you sang it very well. Paula: I’m surprised you picked this song. I’m not sure that it shows me who Syesha is as an artist.

Simon: I think you will probably regret that decision tomorrow because you had a chance to prove you are a contemporary recording artist with your own choice of song. Instead, you did quite a lame cabaret performance.

David Cook picked Switchfoot’s “Dare You to Move.”

My take: I don’t think he nailed the vocals early, but he hit them when the song kicked into higher gear. And, he played the guitar, which we have seen helps contestants this year.

Randy: It wasn’t your best tonight, a little pitchy maybe.

Paula: I feel like you just got to the beginning when you hit the end of the song, and I wanted more.

Simon: It was pretty much what I would have expected. I think all three of you had an OK middle round.

Round Three

Producers chose “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg for David Archuleta.

My take: OK, so he can sing, and this type of song is fine for him, but … I’m never going to buy anything of his as a recording artist. He’s background music at best.

Randy: Once again, very interesting song choice for you. Another hot one for you.

Paula: It was a lovely performance from you.

Simon: You sang the song very well. I thought the song and the lyrics was absolutely horrible. I do think you’ve done enough to get into the finals next week.

Syesha drew “Hit Me Up” by Gia Farrell from the soundtrack of “Happy Feet.”

My take: I’m not terribly familiar with the song, but I thought she did OK … yes, just OK. She needed more.

Randy: Yeah, I could see you doing a song like that. It was just OK for me.

Paula: You did the song very well. I don’t know if it’s the song that defines you. I don’t know if it’s going to be good enough to get into the finals of American Idol.

Simon: It was better than the second song. If I am being honest with you, you had your best moment last week … I don’t think anything this week has topped that.

David Cook got Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from producers.

My take: I think this was his best vocal of the night, but he seemed out of synch with the music near the end, and he had to force a longer song into too tight a timetable.

Randy: For me, it was OK for me. Very predictable for me.

Paula: See ya in the finals.

Simon: One of the great songs of all time, and I have to tell you: David Cook wins the night.

OK. Truth is I hoped Syesha would shine tonight enough to upset one of the Davids, but I don’t think she did it.

What do you think?

Who do you want kicked off this week?

David Archuleta 32.73% 144 Syesha Mercado 54.32% 239 David Cook 12.95% 57

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Final Four Compete ‘Dancing with the Stars” latest Update Semifinals

By Craig Schrolucke | Monday, May 12, 2008, 08:39 PM

It’s down to the final four. In a semi-final twist the remaining teams will chose their latin and ballroom dances from a hat - drawn at random - Increasing the level of difficulty for the Dancers. Also, no lifts will be allowed. Wouldn’t it be fun if the dancers got their dances just before they hit the stage?

Each pair will dance two dances.

Jason Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska
This week’s first dance - The Fox Trot

My Take -It seemed like they were going through the motions. No emotional connection.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “I thought that was really truly beautiful.” - Score 9
Len Goodman -“It was fantastic. ” - Score 10
Bruno Tonioli - “This had plenty of moment. You were showman tonight. ” - Score 9
28 out of 30

Second Dance - Pasa Doble

My Take - Elements of this Spanish dance were WOW… at other moments Jason looked like he was a tinker town stick figure.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “Nice execution.” - Score 9
Len Goodman -“You came all out full boar.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “It looked like a true matador.” - Score 9
27 out of 30

Total for the night 55 out of 60.

Marissa Jaret Winokur & Tony Dovolani

This week’s first dance - The Quick Step

My Take - If nothing else this couple should get an award for the most improved… What a fun dance to watch they were having a great time!
Carrie Ann Inaba - “You turned into the unlikely contender.” - Score 9
Len Goodman -“I thought you did a great job.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You started like a little locomotive and then you took off like an Orient Express.” - Score 8
26 out of 30

Second Dance - The Rumba

My Take -
Carrie Ann Inaba - “It’s got to be exciting.’ - Score 8
Len Goodman -“I thought you did a very very good job. That was a wow of a Rumba.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You did sexy in the city. ” - Score 9
26 out of 30

Total for tonight 52 out of 60.

Cristian De La Fuente & Cheryl Burke
This week’s first dance - The Viennese Waltz

My Take - I don’t think I cared for the music choice with this dance… but that’s just me. Nice job with one arm.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “It’s so enjoyable to watch.” - Score 9
Len Goodman -“Better marks.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You play off each other beautiful.” - Score 9
27 out of 30

Second Dance - The Samba

My Take - They were having a great time. He has danced so much better since
Carrie Ann Inaba - “that was fantastic. Party dance - way to go.” - Score 10
Len Goodman -“That was hotter than a chili pepper.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “YOu came back here and make the samba ” - Score 10
29 out of 30

Total for tonight 56 out of 60

Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas -

This week’s first dance - The Tango

My Take - That was pretty amazing. One of the best dances of the season.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “Welcome back!” - Score 10
Len Goodman -“You did get the drama back. Sometimes for me it was little bit hectic.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You squeezed every single bit of dram passion, sex appeal ” - Score 10
29 out of 30

Second Dance - The Jive

My Take - Wow… that took a lot of energy.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “You were just a hair out of sync.” - Score 9
Len Goodman -“You moved well across the floor. Sometimes just a little bit stiff. ” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “This one is the cherry on on the icing of the cake. Sweet - sweet delicious jive.” - Score 10
28 out of 30

Total 57 out of 60

It looks like Marissa and Tony finished at the bottom using the judges scores… do you agree? Will they be the couple to go home?

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Archuleta’s Dad Banned from “American Idol” Latest update

By Craig Schrolucke | Sunday, May 11, 2008, 04:22 PM

Stories have been flying around the internet since the beginning of the season about David Archuleta’s meddling father. This weekend, (May 10) the AP and other news sources are reporting Jeff Archuleta, David’s father, has lost his backstage pass and is now banned from rehearsals.

According to the reports, David’s father “made a lyric change on Tuesday’s show that pushed producers to act.” The anonymous inside source also said of David’s father, “despite warnings from the producers (he) added a verse from another song causing “American Idol” to incur additional costs.”

The UPI is reporting that Simon Cowell, one of the more outspoken judges, is downplaying the ban. Cowell is quoted as saying “David Archuleta’s father may no longer be backstage at the U.S. TV series, but he can be in the audience.”

Jeff Archuleta’s behavior has surround the Idol wannabe long before Idol. In an interview on the Today Show, Naomi Judd has some words of advice for David Archuleta’s father: “Leave him alone - his dad is like a monster.”

In March, TMZ, FOX news and others reported Jeff Archuleta, had to be “barred from the lot.” The site alleges that David dad’s photo was “hanging in the guard shack in case he tried sneaking in.”

Why not let David Archuleta win or lose on his own… Perhaps the producers should remove all the parents and/or family from the backstage area to ensure the performances are that of the contestant without outside influence or manipulation. There’s a thought! or better yet, - Why not ban Jeff Archuleta altogether… if he was altering a song - he should go - shouldn’t he - or at least shouldn’t Archuleta be disqualified?

What do you think?

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He’s finally out! Results show ‘American Idol’ Latest Update

By Craig Schrolucke | Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 09:05 PM

In just two weeks from tonight, American will have its’ next ‘American Idol.”

Last night (May 6) Ryan Seacrest tells viewers to “Vote like never before.” And that is just what America did, voting more than 51 million times. Ryan reveals the top three vote-getters are within one million votes of each other - could it be a David?

Was it just me or did anyone else notice, as the top four were singing “Reeling in the Years,” Jason seemed to be lip synching? Perhaps Jason Castro is finally lowest vote getter… but who knows.

Setting the stage for a little drama Ryan calls David Archuleta first to reveal who is safe for after last night’s competition.. Starting with David Archuleta.

Before we find out who will be joining David in the safe zone we get to see the Idol Wannabe’s living it up in Vegas! Didn’t that Cirque du Soliel show look amazing?

Finally, who’s next? Ryan calls David Cook. Randy tells David that if he makes it through to the finals he needs to “rock it out.” America voted we are headed toward a David vs. David showdown…. unless Syesha get through and brings her A game.

Next up are Syesha and Jason Castro. Ryan taunts the two by acting like he’ll be revealing the lowest vote getter…you guessed it, he didn’t. It couldn’t be how will they make this show last until 10?

I think Johnny Cash wouldn’t have liked the wacky Ford commercial for the Mustang - Agree?

In one of the more awkward moments of the season the contests face questions from a caller on live television. Tonight, David Cook is asked out on a date - it’s pretty awkward. We also learned Jason Castro is brain dead. A caller wants Simon to be the next James Bond. Back to the show.

The musical acts for tonight’s show are Maroon 5 and Bo Brice. Maroon 5 screeched out a tune that sounded like a Scissor Sisters shifted shifted up an octave… or was it Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks? It was a catchy tune… it just needed a different vocal.

Bo Bice, an American Idol Contestant from season four, looking like Greg Allman back in the Cher Days, rocked the idol stage… I think he may have scared a few of the younger audience members.

And finally the results… Joining David and David next week will be… Syesha.

Finally going home is Jason Castro!

Do you agree or disagree with America? Discuss.

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Dance, Dance, Dance - 100th episode “Dancing with the Stars” Latest Update

By Craig Schrolucke | Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 09:38 PM

Tonight’s (May 6) 100th episode celebration is all about dance, dance and more dance. But for one couple, the dance train stop here as another is voted of Dancing with the Stars.

Back for the special edition of the show are Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough performing to Rascal Flats. That was better than most of the guest bands this season.

Some of the other stars Vivica A. Fox,Kenny Mayne, Mark Cuban, Sabrina Bryan, Joey Fatone, Jerry Springer all plugging something.

Mario Lopez performed a number from his Broadway show, “Macy’s Stars of Dance” Presents A Chorus Line. Who knew he could dance like that… I forgot he was on the show before as a contestant. The Macy’s plug was a little silly But that’s what you get when you sponsor the show.

Mel B. And Maksim Chmerkovskiy came back to dance to “Life is a highway” as performed by Rascal Flats… They too, were hot! What a fun hour of TV…(or about 30 minutes if you fast forward through the commercials).

And finally, the elimination… Competing in next week’s semi-finals Marissa Jaret Winokur & Tony Dovolani, Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas, Cristian De La Fuente & Cheryl Burke (Pretty Amazing for being

Facing Elimination are… Mario & Karina Smirnoff or Jason Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska

The couple leaving the competition…

Photo - Abc.com

Mario & Karina Smirnof.

Agree?

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Just two weeks left - who will be next to go? “American Idol’ Latest Update

By Craig Schrolucke | Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 08:34 PM

With just two weeks to go “American Idol 7” remaining isn’t the only question that remains unanswered… which David will win? Let’s see if the oddsmakers are correct.

A Night of Rock Round One:

David Cook
Tonight’s songs - “Hungry like the Wolf” Duran Duran
My Take - It seemed a little too predictable for this point in the competition. That performance could spell trouble for this Idol Wannabe.
Randy - ” that was okay choice for you… I’m just trying to see who has the mad hot vocals tonight. It was just okay. ”
Paula - ” You’re hungry like the wolf has left me with a big appetite.” WHAT
Simon -” I thought it was good. It was a little bit copy cat. “

Syesha Mercado
Tonight’s songs - “Proud Mary” Tina Turner
My Take - Great song choice for her. Let’s see what the judges say. I’m guessing she’s getting points for shaking it.
Randy - ” What a difference a couple of weeks make. She’s in the zone. ”
Paula - “You look like a star. ”
Simon -“For me, I thought it was a bad shrieky version. A bad impersonation of Tina Turner. “

Jason Castro
Tonight’s songs - “I shot the Sheriff” Bob Marley
My Take - So why was he holding the guitar - I don’t think he ever played it.
Randy - “For me, that was a real karaoke Bob Marley. There was nothing special about it. ”
Paula - “On a positive note, I’ve never seen you perform more to the audience than you did tonight. I wasn’t crazy about the performance. ”
Simon -“That was utterly atrocious. This was a first round audition massacre, honestly. “

David Archuleta
Tonight’s songs - “Stand by Me” Ben E. King
My Take - Look he kept his eyes open through the most of the song… what improvement… I know that sounds sarcastic… but I do mean it. Overall, that may have been the best performance of the night. I think he’ll be in the top two.
Randy - “At least there is one guy that hits the stage that is trying to win the whole thing. This is a competition. It was Hot! ”
Paula - “We all forget you are way beyond your years.” Even Paula commented on the eye thing.
Simon -“Truth is David you could have whistled and it would have sounded better than the last song. Very good choice of song. That was the best performance so far. “

Round Two;

David Cook
Tonight’s songs - “Teenage Wasteland” The Who
My Take - Notice the guitar - at least he played it. This was a much better song for him.
Randy - ” That’s more like the David Cook I’ve grown to love. ”
Paula - “I just want more.. I want more… more. ”
Simon -“Welcome back David Cook. “

Syesha Mercado
Tonight’s songs - “A Change is Going to Come” Sam Cook
My Take - I’m not sure what it is but when she’s singing a slower song it comes across as a stage/theatre performance - not a song from the next American Idol - Great voice though.
Randy - ” For me, This one I did not love so much. You were trying to push out things that weren’t even there. It feel flat for me. ”
Paula - “(Paula Stands) Beautiful. You turned this into something beautiful. Welcome to your dream Syesha. (Paula’s words start the river of tears…)”
Simon -“I have to be fair… I have to agree with Paula. “

Jason Castro
Tonight’s songs - ” Mr. Tambourine Man” Bob Dylan
My Take - This time he’s using the guitar…. Did he really forget the words??? or did I just mis-hear that section. I’m thinking he’s going home.
Randy - ” jason isn’t in the zone tonight.”
Paula - “It is what it is. It didn’t blow us away. ”
Simon -” Jason, I’d pack your suitcase. “

David Archuleta
Tonight’s songs - “Love me Tender” Elvis
My Take - That was pretty much flawless…
Randy - “Another great performance. You got it going on right now. ”
Paula - ” I felt your heart. Fantastic and very beautiful.”
Simon -“David, you didn’t beat the competition tonight, you crushed the competition tonight.”

I think Simon said it best, “David, you didn’t beat the competition tonight, you crushed the competition tonight.” Do you Agree… is David now the one to beat?

Who do you want kicked off this week?

David Archuleta 4.15% 29 David Cook 3.15% 22 Jason Castro 81.52% 569 Syesha Mercado 11.17% 78

Other Idol postings…

Vote for the Idol Judge or Host who should go.

Catch-up on the whole Idol Season

Idol Web Page and Voting

Photo Gallery

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