American Idol Season 8Top 7 (Again) Disco Week

It's Disco Week on "American Idol," and though we expected train wrecks, what we mostly got was boredom. More than half of the contestants seemed so afraid of doing a disco beat that they dramatically rearranged their music. Except for the lyrics, some of the songs were so melodically different from the originals, they could have been given new titles (yes, we're talking about you, Adam). So while the producers might call this disco because the songs all came from the '70s, there was very little performance-wise that evoked the excitement of that era's music or the vibe of mirror balls, fringe, spangles and Studio 54 (or, in Kara's case, Studio 57). When did the "Born to Be Alive" genre turn into emo, slit-your-wrist music?

This week, the pre-performance videos were eliminated and all four judges got to critique the contestants. And except in one case (for Kris Allen), Randy starts all the critiques and the judges go straight down the table as they've done in seasons past.

It's become obvious that the producers are so over Lil Rounds and want to make quick work of eliminating her. But the joke is on them. The harder they try, and the worse she performs, the more votes she gets, at least according to DialIdol.com. We laughed when we saw she wound up in 1st Place(!) in spite of getting the death position (going first) and giving a barely acceptable vocal. In our opinion, she deserves to be one of the two getting the boot tonight. Though DialIdol is declaring no one clearly safe this week (which means the producers will have free rein to eliminate the two of their own choosing and still look legit) and though they've wrong in the past, no one has ever come in first on DialIdol.com and been eliminated. Some online commenters are suggesting that the show's producers have found a way to successfully tamper with DialIdol's busy signal rate, the way in which they calculate the number of votes each contestant is receiving. We don't know who dialed and texted for Lil (though we suspect Vote for the Worst came out en masse), but we couldn't wait for her frequently painful rendition of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" to end. Yet, if Allison, who finished dead last on DialIdol, does get eliminated tonight, Lil's song title could become a ghastly reality. Randy Jackson says that Lil still didn't show them what kind of artist she is and what she can do in the competition. Kara DioGuardi says that all of America has been waiting for her to sing Chaka Khan but she's not sure if it was worth the wait, telling Lil she's been every woman on that stage -- every other woman except herself. Paula Abdul defends Lil and says the day before she had no voice and was on complete vocal rest, but adds that though Lil was hot, she didn't hit the boiling point. Simon Cowell says, "Oh, Lil, you look so sad." She tries to answer him, telling him she had fun performing, but he cuts her off with, "Sweetheart, I'm glad you had fun, because I think this is going to be the last week that we see you. I do. I do. I'll tell you why, because there was no originality, it was very copycat, the arrangement, your vocals were a mess and I absolutely believe this is your final shot. Sorry." Well, Simon, it might be you (and us) who is sorry instead.

Watch video of Lil Rounds singing "I'm Every Woman"

Kris Allen has one of those useless Coke chats with Ryan Seacrest, explaining that he chose Donna Summer's "She Works Hard for the Money," because it's a story song about a, er, woman, who, er, works hard for her money. Ryan sarcastically thanks Kris for clearing that up for us. Kris is the first contestant to really change up a song, playing acoustic guitar with a couple of other acoustic instrumentalists. He gives the song, as Paula correctly points out, a Santana feel. We like the arrangement, though it feels nothing like, or even near, disco. Kara tells Kris that he took a risk with the arrangement, but that it paid off big time, saying it sounded like it could go on his record and she has to give him props. Paula tries to use the analogy that a lot of women are known to shop in the men's department but there aren't many men who are willing to shop in the woman's department (ahem, Danny has shopped the woman's department all season, Paula)."I must tell you, you shopped and found a perfect fit. It not only showed your originality, but it showed us why you're a contender in this competition." Simon, who can't stop laughing at Paula's remarks, says, "You know what? I actually need a translator on this show. I don't understand it." Paula starts breaking in with, "He's known to shop in the women's department -- La Perla." Simon: "Are you saying he buys ladies underwear?" Paula: "No, I'm saying you do." Simon: "Sorry, Kris, I have no idea what that meant." Paula starts butting in again, and Simon actually pushes and sssshs her. Simon to Kris: "Kris, that was a complete polar opposite to the first performance. Insomuch as it was original, it was well thought out. That was not karaoke ... it was a fantastic performance." Randy says "You are ready for the Big Time, dawg, because you know who you are. You perform great. You pick great arrangements. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing."

Watch video of Kris Allen singing "She Works Hard for the Money"

Danny Gokey, thankfully back in glasses, works the crowd and the stage with Earth, Wind and Fire's "September," changing it up a bit, but at least maintaining a disco vibe. For that alone we thank him. It's a nice if forgettable performance, but, once again, he has the audience and, except for Simon, the judges in the palm of his hand. For us, Danny has a great white soul voice and gives a solid performance every time out, but we've seen no growth in him since the beginning of the season. He started out good -- and stayed there. There haven't been any bad performances, but, unlike Adam, there haven't been any meteoric ones, either. Randy says that Danny turned the song into something that really worked for him, adding "good job, good job." Kara says she was worried about Danny on disco night, that "it was sort of like asking Simon to wear a plaid shirt or something." But, she says, he is an incredible vocalist and his pitch is right on -- always. She calls it another solid performance but says she is concerned that the audience will remember it by the end of the night. Honestly, we didn't. Paula says that instead of changing the song, Danny showed his vocal agility and brilliance, and that she thinks he has one of the sexiest voices ever, adding "And I think women of all ages will agree." Simon says he pretty much agrees with what the other judges said. "You can't fault the vocals, the arrangement was interesting. As a performance, though, I didn't really get any star power from that," says Simon. "Because at this stage, that's when you've got to start doing something special, and I thought the performance, overall, was a bit awkward and a bit clumsy." Paula yells out, "I'll still see you in the finals!"

Watch video of Danny Gokey singing "September"

Allison Iraheta is a tried and true rocker. She gives everything a rock vibe, even disco. She starts off Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff," from a sitting position, giving it a slow, growly edge. We wait patiently for the beat to pick up, especially when Allison stands up after the line, "almost rang the phone off the wall." But to our disappointment, even though the music picks up a beat, the vocal never does. And that is the performance's biggest flaw -- it just kind of lays there, dead. It also must be said that Allison has a big enunciation problem. Though her phrasing is always dead on, many of the words are inarticulate. But we like the tousled look of her hair this week, so much better than when it looks like a helmet head. Randy calls the arrangement over-indulgent (this season's favorite judge criticism), but emphasizes that Allison is one of the best singers in the competition, so even though he didn't love the arrangement, he loves her. Kara says making the arrangment slower hurt the performance, but that Allison picked the right song and she deems the vocal portion a 9-10. Paula doesn't mind the arrangment, says compromise does not exist in Allison's vocabulary and that speaks to her authenticity. She adds that the last note of the song was off the charts. Simon says that Allison was always going to come into this week as an underdog, but that taking everything into account, it was a brilliant performance. It's so obvious that the producers he wants Allison to stay and Lil to go, overpraising one and ultra-slamming the other. Will their his wish be granted? It's doubtful, if the results are reported honestly.

Watch video of Allison Iraheta singing "Hot Stuff"

It's Adam Lambert's turn and, like the rest of America, we're waiting to see what he's going to sing and how he's going to sing it. We figure it's going to be slow and plaintive, both because of the suit (more than any other contestant, this musical-theater vet understands the importance of dressing for the role he's playing) and slicked back hair (which is so high and Eddie Munster-ish this week it looks ridiculous) and because he sang a fast, frenetic song last week. The one consistent thing about Adam is he seems to alternate fast and slow performances. In his Coke interview, he tells Ryan he's singing Yvonne Elliman's (or the Bee Gees) "If I Can't Have You," because he wants to sing something he can relate to emotionally. OK, we would have thought maybe Kris would sing that, but Adam can sing pretty much anything. Although we can't fault the quality of the vocals, the song melodically is unrecognizable. Talk about self-indulgent! We're not loving it, but we're obviously in the minority. Whatever happened to the judges saying when you have a simple, beautiful melody line, you don't need to change it up? The audience and Paula give Adam a standing O. Randy says, "Dude, you are ready right now. You have it, major league, going on. He's the hot one tonight, America!" "Adam, you're brilliant. I don't know what else to say," says Kara, and then goes on to talk more than any other judge. She calls this his most memorable performance, says he looks like "the guy from 'Saturday Night Live' (OMG, did Miss Studio 57 mean "Saturday Night Fever"???) meets Clark Kent' " and swooningly tells him that the way he connects with his emotions is inspiring. While Simon makes amusing faces as she critiques, Paula tells Adam she felt his pain and vulnerability, "as if you tore your heart out and left it on the stage." She also calls him fascinating, awesome and brilliant and says "you will be in the finals." Simon says, "I would have put $10,000 that you would have done Donna Summer, but that's what so good about you. You did something that we weren't expecting. But once again, what I loved about this performance was, it was original -- never ever heard that song sung like that before. Most importantly, you're going to remember it. And even more important, the vocals were immaculate. Congratulations." After the tongue bath by the judges, Adam, always the gentleman, thanks Michael Orland, the show's arranger and associate musical director, for helping him come up with the arrangement, calling Orland a genius.

Watch video of Adam Lambert singing "If I Can't Have You"

As if they're trying to doom him no matter how good he is (and he isn't), the producers once again curse Matt Giraud by positioning him right after Adam, as they did last week. This unenviable spot is not helped by his uninspired and boringly karaoke version of the Bee Gees "Stayin' Alive" -- something Giraud won't be doing after that performance. Especially after the judges inexplicably wasted their one save of the season on him last week. Randy "didn't love the song choice, didn't love the arrangement," but tells Matt he can really sing. Jackson then goes on to say that this group of seven kids is one of the most talented they've ever had on the show. Is he kidding? Add the word "least" before talented and he would have nailed it. This group competes with -- and maybe beating -- Season 6 in that esteem-less category. Kara says Matt brought disco back. Too bad he didn't do it in a good way, Kara. She then less enthusiastically adds that his vocals were good and it was a solid performance. Paula tells Matt that he picks songs like she bowls: "sometimes you throw gutter balls and sometimes you get strikes. And this was a strike." Er, no. Analogy correct, choice wrong. Gutter ball from the release. Continuing with her incorrect appraisal, she says, "Last week the judges saved your life. Tonight, after this performance, you saved your own life. You are staying." Simon tells Matt he didn't like the performance because it came over as a bit desperate, the vocals weren't great and there was no originality.

Watch video of Matt Giraud singing "Stayin' Alive"

In the pimp spot, though not deserving it (actually, no one did this week), is Anoop Desai, who looked killer this week with his pretty-in-pink sweater, a new haircut and some facial hair. Actually, it was around this time last season when David Cook started sprouting facial hair and we also noticed Danny had some extra growth. We're guessing this is a routine "Idol" stylist suggestion -- but hey, it works. Anoop chose another Donna Summer classic, "Dim All the Lights," and put his R&B spin on it. It wasn't bad, in fact the vocals were among Anoop's best, but the song ended before it ever had a chance to take off. Randy says it was a little bit of a rough last note and he didn't love the arrangement, but that Anoop, like the Matt, can sing. Gee, isn't that why he's there? Randy ends with, "Anoop. Nice, baby. Nice." Kara says it is a great song choice and really liked the beat, saying that she thought it could be on the radio. She tells Anoop that the past two weeks were his best performances and that he's really hitting his stride. Paula tells him he looks fantastic and "real men know how to wear pink." She also tells him he has beautiful teeth and to smile more. And, yes, she liked his vocals, too. Simon says he completely disagrees with the other judges. "That was mediocre at best. Sorry. I prayed that the tempo wasn't going to come in. It did. It was a horrible version of that song. And in my opinion, genuinely, that was your worst performance by a mile. It really was." Nope, we couldn't disagree more.

Watch video of Anoop Desai singing "Dim All the Lights"

Our Top Three (we didn't love anyone this week):
Danny Gokey
Adam Lambert
Kris Allen

Our Bottom Three:
Matt Giraud
Lil Rounds
Allison Iraheta

Should Be Eliminated:
Matt Giraud
Lil Rounds

Will Be Eliminated:
Lil Rounds
Anoop Desai

Tonight, the group number is choreographed by Paula. Musical guests include David Archuleta, and Harry Wayne "KC" Casey (of KC and the Sunshine Band), Thelma Houston and Freda Payne will sing a medley of their hits, "Get Down Tonight," "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "Band of Gold."

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Kara DioGuardi Favors Guysin American Idol Season 8

Here is the transcript of the conference call that American Idol's newest judge, KARA DIOGUARDI, held with the press this past Thursday:

TV Guide online: You said the other day about the guys this year having the edge and I’m wondering why you said that and if there are any specific auditions that blew you away?

K. DioGuardi: There are. I’m not sure I can get into which contestant or their names at this point, but looking at all the contestants as a whole I felt that the males were the strongest. That being said, there are one or two females that I’m excited about as well and I’m really just waiting for the show to roll out and for the next phase to kind of see who is going to end up on top.

TV Guide online: Are there any difference overall from what you’ve seen of last year’s contestants that you can speak to?

K. DioGuardi: I would say that there is a uniqueness to some of the male contestants that’s different in terms of their voices and their songs they were picking and the general direction of what their record would be.

TV Guide online: Got it. Are there any specifics that you can share?

K. DioGuardi: I don’t know if I can share specifics yet. I think you guys have to tune in and see what happens. What I feel very confident about is that the men in the competition, there are about five to ten that I think, at least five that are great.

TV America: Yes, I wanted to follow up on that for a second, because you’re talking about the uniqueness of the kind of records they put out. Because you’ve been following the show from the beginning, remember it used to be most people were in a fairly standard pop range and it seems like in recent years the show has expanded to get more room for strong rockers on one side and for country on the other side. Talk a little bit about that, about the kind of expanding range of the contestants on the show.

K. DioGuardi: Well, we definitely saw that this year. I mean there were people who were doing country, there were people who were doing rock. There was a lot of soul influence, especially with some of these male contestants where there was a soulfulness in their voice. And it’s not even that I’m talking R&B, more on like the way Maroon 5 is soulful. So that was different I thought.

TV America: Okay. And one other thing I was going to ask you. The oddity of having the two-to-two ties and Simon gets the tie breaker. That’s a different kind of British take on democracy.

K. DioGuardi: Is that really democracy?

TV America: Did that happen very often and what was your impression of that whole two-to-two thing?

K. DioGuardi: Well, for me the thing that would happen is that the two of them would say yes at times; let’s say a few times this would happen where they would say yes and then it would come down to me because I knew he would say no probably so I had to make that critical decision there whether I was going to give them another shot or not.

And that was tough because you’re dealing with people that you’ve met for a few seconds of hearing them sing and you’re not sure if they had a bad audition or if you want to give them another shot. So, you know, I was put in that position a bunch of times.


EOnline: So what do you bring to the judge’s table that American Idol did not have before?

K. DioGuardi: Well, I think what’s really unique about me is that I’ve worked with a lot of these singers that are out there that are great, from Christina to Pink to Celine Dion. I’ve been in the studio with them when they’ve actually recorded songs that we’ve co-written. And I’ve worked very closely with them in both listening to how they interpret the songs we’ve written and giving them guidance and support and I think that distinguishes me.

EOnline: Definitely. So, going back to the whole Simon gets to be the tie breaker, have there been a lot of disagreements at the table? Do you think with your addition to the table, does it heighten it a little bit more?

K. DioGuardi: Yes, because it comes down to that. It’s that at times I can, any of us can put through that contestant if we know kind of where he’s going to go. Sometimes we think we know and we know that if we say no that this kid may not get through. And in the beginning, you want to make sure that you’re putting enough people through so you have enough contestants. You know, you can’t just say no to everybody.

So you have to kind of think, all right, maybe this guy had a bad audition or maybe this girl, you know, there’s something interesting about her and give her one more shot or give him one more shot.

EOnline: Just to follow up on that, do you think that maybe the standard is set a little bit lower this year because, you know, you guys were letting through a lot more people in the beginning?

K. DioGuardi: No, no, no. I think you misunderstood me. It’s that if we were just listening for the one, you know the Idol, just the Idol we wouldn’t let anyone through because if we only had one person through that would be nothing.

So, what I’m saying is that at times you want to make sure that you’re putting through enough people through the competition. It’s not about lowering; we weren’t lowering the standards. It’s that when you’re on the fence sometimes you go, all right, I’ll give that person another chance, which at times I did. When I would say, you know what, I’m not sure about you, there’s something there, I’m not 100%. I’ll give you one more shot at times. But you really have to see the different shows. It’s hard to really comment on unless you’re looking from city to city.

MTV News: I was just wondering, you know last year was the first year for instruments for contestants and I was wondering if that really made people stand out, being able to play an instrument?

K. DioGuardi: I love when people play instruments. It just adds another component to their artistry and it kind of shows another side of them as a performer. So, I really encourage that. And there are a lot of people that really fall apart, too, when you take their instrument away from them, so I love it. I love when someone can come on that show and just jam out.

MTV News: I was also wondering if you’re still working with other artists even though Idol is keeping you pretty busy. I was wondering what else you’re up to?

K. DioGuardi: Yes, actually I haven’t slept today. I just flew in; I was working with Colby Clay in Hawaii so I’ve been up almost 48 hours now. So, I’m still trying to keep it going.

MTV News: Is Colby’s song going to be about the same as on her debut?

K. DioGuardi: No, there’s some other stuff on there. I mean she’s just great. I love her voice, I mean to listen to her sing is such a pleasure and she has just such a great quality, tonal quality and such emotion in her voice so I think it’s going to be great. I’m excited about it.

People magazine: I wanted to ask you about the judges’ dynamic. I mean, obviously, this is your first year there, but as far as you can tell, how has your being part of the mix changed that dynamic that you’re aware of? Or, how have they told you it’s changed things?

K. DioGuardi: Well, I think there are times that definitely Paula and I have kind of, well I guess everyone has seen that bikini promo I’m assuming, you know, where we kind of side against the guys, they’re maybe looking at the girls or whatever and they want to put someone through and we’re just like, forget it. So there’s a little girl power going on.

And also it’s just a change so with any kind of change it brings out a different dynamic on the panel. You know, in the beginning it was a little unnerving. I didn’t know where I was going to sit. I didn’t know when I was going to speak. So these kinds of shifts in something that’s been so, just the way it’s been for so many years has really added a new dynamic I think.

People magazine: And to follow up on that, too, I mean, obviously, you knew Paula before. But you didn’t really know Simon and Randy, right?

K. DioGuardi: Well, I knew Randy from in the studio. I’d see him in the studio and we’d kind of high five in the hallways. But I didn’t know him the way I know him now.

People magazine: Well, that’s what I was going to say. How would you describe, if you don’t mind, just a few words about each of the other judges? I mean, how would you describe them having spent so much time together now?

K. DioGuardi: I would say that Paula has a lot of heart. I would say that Simon pretty much tells it like it is. Sometimes he can be pretty harsh, but he’s usually right. And Randy is just, he’s the diplomat.

People magazine: And how about yourself?

K. DioGuardi: I think I’m a combination of all of them. I do like to say it like I see it. I don’t really mince words, but I do feel I have a heart and when you’re dealing with creative people that have some talent you want to make sure that you encourage them, but also if they don’t have any talent you want to discourage them because you don’t want them to waste their time.

So, I may say things that are negative, but I always try to do it with some heart and some understanding of what it’s like to be on the other side of the table.

AP Radio: What kind of faux pas did you make because you’re the newbie and maybe didn’t know how things worked?

K. DioGuardi: You know, I think I would talk over people a lot because I didn’t really know when to talk. When do I speak? Who is speaking now? Who is going now? So, that kind of stuff. I think that was my biggest faux pas to be honest. And some of my looks in the beginning. I didn’t get them all right.

AP Radio: Some of your looks?

K. DioGuardi: The make-up and the hair; it took me a minute.

AP Radio: And did the other judges make you go through any kind of initiation?

K. DioGuardi: Not really, no. ... They may, though, still. Who knows?

Extra: I wanted to ask you to the extent that the audience defines the judges Randy is, you just described Randy as the Dog, Paula is the Sweetheart; Simon sort of has been called the Meanie. How do you think you’ll be seen or described by the audience after they get to know you?

K. DioGuardi: I think they’re going to see somebody who is pretty feisty and opinionated, but is also coming from a good place, trying to help these contestants and impart my own experience to them so that at the end of the day whether they win or they lose they’ve learned something.

Extra: Do you think you’ll have a signature line? Anything that we can count on you to say repeatedly?

K. DioGuardi: You know what, I’m working on it. I’m not sure I have the line yet, but give me some time. It won’t be within a month.

Atlanta Journal Constitution: I wanted to know who, just after the sampling of seven audition cities and Hollywood who do you tend to agree with the most among the other three judges and who do you tend to disagree with most?

K. DioGuardi: You know, there have been times that I’ve agreed and disagreed with all of them. It’s hard to really say. You have to take situation by situation and city by city, but I definitely can sometimes see where Simon is coming from. I may not have said it quite the way he said it, but I also do believe in second chances early on and I know that if I hadn’t had a second chance a lot of times I wouldn’t be where I am today. I definitely grew as an artist and as a songwriter and sometimes you see potential in people and you have to think past some of the maybe mistakes they made because they were nervous or whatever, so I do believe in second chances.

But third chances, that’s another story. Can I just say one thing? Someone said what’s my line? I would say right now my line that I would tell these kids is be you. Don’t try to be anybody but you.

Atlanta Journal Constitution: And my follow-up, what aspect of the live shows are you looking forward to most, since all these, obviously, have been taped?

K. DioGuardi: Well, just what’s going to happen, I mean, just being in the moment and there’s absolutely no way to edit it or do anything but watch it and react. It’s going to be that thing where, ooops, or I said something great. We’ll see.

US Weekly: I actually spoke to Jordin Sparks last night and I realize that you’ve actually worked with lots of the former Idols and Idol contestants. That must be really exciting to just work with these people and now you’re part of the show. But I just wanted to talk to you a little bit about Carrie Underwood. What was the experience like working with Carrie?

K. DioGuardi: Well, she recorded a song that I co-wrote called "Sometimes You Leave," which was released I think through Wal-Mart on one of these cards, but I never was in the studio with her. I co-produced "Walk Away" so I worked closely with Kelly, so maybe that’s what it is.

US Weekly: Oh, okay, so you never really worked with Carrie.

K. DioGuardi: At times you’re giving songs to artists and you may not be in the studio producing it. Other times you are producing it. With “Walk Away” I had a very close relationship with Kelly. I wrote six songs, co-wrote six songs on “Breakaway” and co-produced “Walk Away”.

US Weekly: Oh, okay, perfect. And another question I had is more related to the show. Simon had commented that you and Paula were ganging up on him at auditions. What do you have to say about that?

K. DioGuardi: You know, when he deserves it we give it to him. And believe me, he deserves it sometimes.

TV Squad: So you were just talking about the former Idols that you’ve worked with or at least written songs for. Are there any former Idol contestants that you would like to work with or write a song for that you haven’t gotten the opportunity to yet?

K. DioGuardi: Yes, I really like Daughtry. I would love to co-write with him. At one point it looked like he was going to do a duet on a song that I had written, but it never happened. So, if he’s out there and he wants to do a co-write, please call me.

TV Squad: All right, well, we’ll make sure he gets the message then. Just also to follow up on another thing that you were talking about earlier, which was your relationship with the judges, what about Seacrest because I know just from watching the previous audition episodes that he’s there. Do you get much of a chance to interact with him?

K. DioGuardi: I do and you know he’s just been a doll and very supportive and very encouraging. So I have nothing but great things to say about everybody. They’ve just been great to me in terms of behind the scenes and being supportive.

United Nations Radio: What do you hope you get out of it, I guess for your own career and your own work? Is this something to raise your profile for a reason? I don’t want to be as crass as to say, you know, is there an agenda here, but what can you see as the end result being for you as a songwriter and producer?

K. DioGuardi: You know, I never in a million years imagined that I would be a judge on American Idol. So, when I got that call it was really an honor and in some ways I felt like I hit the lottery and I didn’t even really think about what is this going to mean? I just said yeah, I’ll do this, of course. I mean I’ve been involved in so many of these kids’ careers and this is what I do every day. I look out for talent. I help them in the studio. I produce them. That’s my life. I live for that and it just felt like a natural extension. That’s it on television and the biggest TV show with so many viewers, wow. I don’t know what to say about that. It was an honor to be called and I’m looking forward to making this year as great as it can be and finding the best talent out there and giving my spin on why I think they’re great or why they’re not.

United Nations Radio: Has there ever been a part of the whole Idol run maybe in the early days, because you’re somebody who came up really in a very rock and roll way, kind of slugging it out, doing your own thing, where you looked at it and said, oh my God, this is hokey and what is this? Or did you always kind of get it?

K. DioGuardi: In the beginning when I heard about it I didn’t really understand what it was and I wasn’t sure; it sounded kind of like Star Search. I didn’t quite understand it. But once I saw the show I thought it was incredible. I mean I think that if you have to slug it out or you get lucky, it doesn’t matter. If you’ve got talent and you’re going to be somebody who is going to make their mark and have great music out there, you know, kudos to you no matter how you break in.

So I don’t begrudge anyone because they didn’t have to go through seven or eight years of slugging it out and this show gives kids that would never have an opportunity to be in front of professionals that opportunity and I think for that it’s incredible. And it’s about dreams and helping people realize them.

InTouch Weekly: Well, I actually did have a question regarding Idol. Did you have a problem getting a balance as far as what you felt you could say to contestants? Did you feel like you went a bit too far in the beginning and kind of pulled back? How did you work that?

K. DioGuardi: Well, in the beginning, at times, which was kind of what I was trying to say before, when we would get into a situation where I knew Simon was probably going to say no and if I said no the kid would go home, you know I do believe in second chances, but I would always tell them, look, you’re on thin ice here. If you don’t get it together it’s not going to work out for you.

And perhaps I would put them through or not put them through, but I would always tell them the truth and then have a heart and not just dash their dreams because you never know with people. And that was what I was saying before. I was told I wasn’t a good songwriter; I wasn’t a good singer, for years. And it was my dream and I kept going and going and going.

So, if you’ve got some talent nobody can tell you that you can’t develop that into something if you work hard enough. And I don’t want some kids to have at least something going on to feel crushed and not follow their dream if they have some ability.

Hearst Newspapers: Given that the show is about giving a deserving talented singer a big break that they need, I wanted to know if there was a pivotal person in your life who most inspired you or influenced you or motivated you or helped you or changed you or redirected the course of your career in a remarkable way? Who comes to mind when I ask that?

K. DioGuardi: You know, I had a lot of, I like to call them my angels out there, that sort of guided me and gave me the encouragement I needed in the beginning, which is what I’ve been speaking about a bit, which is when you have talent it’s very difficult in the beginning to be recognized.

You’re developing your skills, you’re learning the industry and when you find people who champion that; I have two people that come to mind, Larry Flick who worked at Billboard and listened to my first demo tape and set me up with a guy named Clive Lieberman, who was a publisher at the time at BMG who then set me up with a bunch of co-writes that eventually led me to be on some big records and those people would take the phone calls with me where I’d be on the other going oh, I don’t know if I can do this; it’s so hard.

And they would encourage me and keep me going. And that’s a big part of why I’m here today is that they were on the other end of the line saying you can do it, keep going when I had those few moments of doubting because we all do and we’re human, but at the end of the day I knew where I wanted to go and I was going to get there.

Hearst Newspapers: And if you didn’t have them and if you didn’t have that opportunity would you still be, I mean, would you be happy playing music for five people?

K. DioGuardi: I wouldn’t be happy being broke, personally. I like to eat so I’m not sure, you know? I would probably want to have a job where I could support myself so playing to five people, I’m not so sure that would be the job.

Zaptoit.com: My question for you today is earlier you were talking about the past Idols that you’ve worked with and was there any particular one that really stuck out as just a gem to work with?

K. DioGuardi: Well, I love Kelly because I could just sing anything or tell her to sing anything and she could sing it. So she was feisty, she put her personality into the songs and for the style of writing that I was doing at the time, that rock/pop angsty stuff, she was just perfect. And she was great to co-write with and I had an incredible experience with her.

People magazine: I wanted to ask, kind of some personal stuff about you guys and everyone who is working together; do you guys hang out after the cameras stop rolling or does everyone kind of split up and go their separate ways or have you kind of developed a camaraderie and a friendship with everyone?

K. DioGuardi: You know, there were a few nights that Randy, I think one night in particular, Randy, Ryan, Paula and I had dinner and I do see Paula probably more than the other guys. But, yeah, we definitely hang out during lunch, we talk. It’s very pleasant. There was never any weirdness. Again, they were very accepting of me.

Of course, in the beginning there were those moments when I was explaining, okay, when does she speak, where does she sit, what is she wearing? Those kinds of things, but they banded in about two, three cities.

People magazine: Another question; you kind of mentioned this earlier that at the beginning you weren’t really quite sure if you were getting the hair and make-up right. How have you adjusted to things like all the hair and make-up? Have you hired a stylist? How are you kind of getting into that whole in front of the camera?

K. DioGuardi: I do have a stylist. I can’t tell you how many times I looked in the news and saw that one picture of the four of us and just wanted to shoot myself because I feel like I looked like Peg Bundy. So, yeah, I’m definitely, that first city I had never worked with the hair guy or the make-up; it wasn’t so much the make-up, the hair, so it was pretty big hair. I think those days are done. I’m going to keep the hair not so big.

Soap Opera Weekly: Did Paula or Randy give you any helpful advice about working with Simon and what was it?

K. DioGuardi: Just they said, be me. I mean at one point Paula was like you need to be yourself because in the beginning, the first city, you know, I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes in the beginning, which is really not my personality. I usually just from the get go say what I feel and do what I want, not in an abusive way, but that’s just sort of the way I am. I’m opinionated.

In the beginning I was just a little bit like, oh my God, there are all these cameras, all these people, what’s going on here? And Paula turned to me and said, “Um, are you going to be you?” Kind of like that and I got the message. It was back to my old ways.

Soap Opera Weekly: Great. And have you been personally trying to fit into the show while also working to shake it up and enhance it? Can you speak about that balance a little bit?

K. DioGuardi: It’s something that took a minute to, again, be yourself and also find a place within the show where you weren’t at all detracting from the people around you or inhibiting them in any way and it’s something that I’m still working on, but I think I’m there. I hope you guys think so, too.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2009

American Idol FinaleAnd the Winner Is ...

DAVID COOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh what a night! Victory was sweet and grand and a bit teary (for us as well). David Cook took the title with a 12 million vote margin. We now feel all the time spent hitting the redial button at least 150 times was time well spent. When we heard that Ryan Seacrest had announced Wednesday morning on his KIIS-FM radio show that 97.5 million votes had been cast and that one contestant had received 56 percent and the other 44 percent, we knew that Cook was golden. We had done the math ourselves after seeing the DialIdol.com results and those were exactly the numbers we came up with after seeing the vote spread. Which not only means DialIdol.com was right -- they were also damn accurate. We knew that unless The Evil Puppeteer (Nigel Lythgoe) and crew were going to commit a huge lie, that David Cook was the winner for sure. WooooooooooooDamnHoooooooooooooo!!!

Right before the Big Announcement, Ryan went back to judges one last time for their final thoughts.

Randy Jackson said, "Great, great Season 7, man. You dudes brought it down to the wire. I'm so happy that it's the two of you standing there. This has been one of the strongest years ever and welcome to The Duel. You're both winners, baby. Both."

Paula Abdul started with her regular blather: "I'm honored and proud to be sitting here. You two are truly amazing. It's odd that it's called the finale when it's anything but a final. It's the beginning of the start of the destinies of your careers. I'm so proud." But ended with a rather touching statement that sounded as if it came straight from "The Wizard of Oz": "And just remember, sometimes we think it's all about winning, but it's the things sometimes that we lose that remind us how truly special we are as people. Keep it up."

But the cherry on top of the whipped cream was watching Simon Cowell backpedal so fast that he almost rocketed out of the theater after Seacrest told him that at times during the season he had been harsh on "these Davids" and asked what Cowell thought after he had rewatched Tuesday's performance show (this whole thing felt very staged). Cowell said: "I want to congratulate both of you last night because, um, I thought on the night that it was a terrific show. I went back home to watch it. (begin backpedal ...) It wasn't quite so clear cut as we called it (Paula to Simon: Ye-ah"). And in fact, um, David, um, I will take this opportunity to apologize, because I think I was verging on disrespectful with you. And I don't think you deserved that because over the season, both of you, what I liked about both of you was that you're "triers" (did he get that term out of the George Bush playbook?). And you've both given it your best. You're very nice people. And for the first time ever, I don't really care who wins. I think you've both been terrific." (Woo, great, complete backpedal. That covered all of his bases, teehee).

Watch video of David Cook being crowned the new American Idol and singing "Time of My Life":


The show opened with Top 12 and the "So You Think You Can Dance" dancers performing to "Get Ready." After their joint performance on "Idol Gives Back," we were looking forward to this reunion, but it lacked the pizzazz that their IGB Rihanna number had.

Watch video of show opening and the Top 12 singing "Get Ready":


Next, Cook and Archuleta dueted on the Nickelback song "Hero" from the film "Spiderman." Meh. The harmony was not terrific and the song was much more suited to Cook (who is rumored to have suggested it to the producers) than it was to Archuleta.

Watch video of David Cook and David Archuleta singing "Hero":


And what would an Idol finale be without a cross-promotion to another Fox property? Er, perhaps better? Tonight, we have to sit through the insufferable promo for Mike Myers forthcoming film, "The Love Guru." This involves footage of The Davids seeing an advance of the film and then doing a filmed skit with Myers in his Guru Pitkha persona. Afterward, still in costume, Myers tortures us with a bit more of his Guru schtick before mercifully departing the stage.

Watch video of David Cook and David Archuleta with Guru Pitkha (Mike Myers):


The worst number of the night award went to Syesha Mercado and Seal duetting "Waiting for You." Two singers take a lousy song then make it off pitch and out of sync with each other, what a treat! Not. It was hard to sit through and actually painful to listen to. This certainly didn't enhance Mercado's career any.

Watch video of Syesha Mercado and Seal singing "Waiting for You":


Next, Jason Castro reminds us why you should rest on your laurels and not re-sing something you've previously sung to near-perfection. He encores his true "moment" from the season, "Hallelujah," and, well, it's nowhere as good as it was the first time around. The final high note breaks painfully.

Watch video of Jason Castro singing "Hallelujah":


The Ford commercial, set to "Let the Good Times Roll," was actually a compilation reel of all the Ford ads from Season 7. Back to the show and, as expected, Ryan, with The Davids onstage, has two sets of car keys to new ... Mustangs? Nope. New Ford Escape Hybrids. Hmmmm. We know this was supposed to be the "green" version of the finale, and we're all for saving the planet, but two guys -- one 17, the other 25? Wethinks they'd rather be racing around in Mustangs. Besides, they (unlike us) will never have to worry about the price of gas again.

Watch video of Ford commercial "Let the Good Times Roll":


A very bizarre segment with the six female finalists singing a Donna Summer medley, after which Summer joins them onstage to sing her new single, "Stamp Your Feet." Summer has to be escorted down the stairs, with two guys each holding one of her hands as they descend. Her wig isn't the best and she's gotten heavier with age, but when she breaks into "Last Dance" she proves the pipes are still powerful. Great upbeat ending, with Syesha getting a little more face time with Summer and loving it. Meanwhile, what was up with Amanda Overmyer? She looked pissed and uncomfortable and sounded pretty crappy. Yep, good thing she won't be on the tour.

Watch video of 6 female contestants and Donna Summer singing Donna Summer medley:


This was followed by one of the better numbers of the night, a rousing, well-done rendition of Joe Cocker's "The Letter" sung by Carly Smithson and Michael Johns. They were great dueting together and reminded us, as Ryan pointed out, that they had left the competition way too soon.

Watch video of Carly Smithson and Michael Johns singing "The Letter":


Time for another "humor" break. He was such a smash trashing Simon at IGB, that the producers had Jimmy Kimmel return. His best joke? "Hey maybe you guys can help me with this. I valet parked outside. How much do I tip Sanjaya?" Cut to Sanjaya Malakar in the audience LHAO. Most of the rest of his jokes fell kind of flat. Maybe he should stick with interviewing the eliminated "Dancing with the Stars" contestants.

Watch video of Jimmy Kimmel ridiculing Sanjaya, Ryan Seacrest et al:


The Top 6 male contestants perform a Bryan Adams medley, after which the now gristly and gnarly looking Adams joins them onstage. Man, we knew he needed a heavy-duty dermabrasion, but we never noticed that gap between his front teeth before. It was as bad as Alfred E. Neuman's. But we love Bryan, anyway.

Watch video of 6 male contestants and Bryan Adams singing Bryan Adams medley:


As we come back from commercial, Jordin Sparks does a filmed pitch for the new "American Idol" attraction that's opening later this year at Disney World. The public can live the "Idol" experience there by singing and competing, with each day's winner earning a spot at the head of the line for one of next season's audition cities.

David Cook takes the stage with ZZ Top, who haven't changed in appearance in 40 years and still look like distant relative of Cousin Itt, for a satisfying rendition of "Sharp Dressed Man." After the performance, Ryan goes to the remote of Mikalah Gordon in Kansas City to see the hometown reaction of Cook's fans.

Watch video of David Cook and ZZ Top singing "Sharp Dressed Man":


This is followed by a rather sweet duet by Graham Nash and Brooke White singing "Teach Your Children Well." White was in her element, singing the kind of music she loves. It was a warm and fuzzy moment.

Watch video of Graham Nash and Brooke White singing "Teach Your Children Well":


Another commercial break, and wait! Is that David Archuleta doing a commercial for "Guitar Hero" mimicing Tom Cruise in "Risky Business"? Man, Daddy Archuleta wasted no time getting his baby boy some outside revenue. Is that even allowed by "Idol" rules? Yikes!

Back from commercial and the Jonas Brothers take the stage. The mosh pit goes crazy.

Watch video of the Jonas Brothers performing:


Another filler segment that had potential then fell flat. Ryan takes us back to some of the memorably bad auditions from Season 7. We laugh at some of the really horrific ones and then come to Renaldo "I Am Your Brother" Lapuz, who -- no surprise -- is here to relive the memory with us. But the producers go off the deep end. It was funny when the whole thing happened spontaneously at the auditions. Now they have Lapuz accompanied by the USC marching band and cheerleaders, storming down the theater's aisles to join him onstage. It all goes bad. They're totally out of sync with each other. When Paula and Randy opt to join them (Simon smartly remained in his seat), it only gets worse. They can't shut Renaldo up and have to go to a commercial to clear the stage.

Watch video of bad auditions and Renaldo Lapuz singing with the USC Band and cheerleaders:


It's time to spotlight David Archuleta. He sings "Apologize" with OneRepublic, and it's sounding real good until David has to go to the really high note and it's out of his register. He uses a lower key next time around, and overall it was a pleasing duet. Archuleta joins Ryan for a look at what's happening in Utah. Matt Rogers is there with both his paternal and maternal grandfathers. Jeff Archuleta looks like he's getting a kick out of his father being interviewed. David's maternal grandfather speaks Spanish and Matt needs a (pretty, young) translator.

Watch video of David Archuleta and OneRepublic singing "Apologize":

Jordin Sparks, proving she's over her recent health crisis, performs a very peppy version of "One Step at a Time." We're glad to see that she has refused to be pressured by Hollywood to turn into a stick, and has seemingly maintained the same weight she had when she last graced the "Idol" stage. However, we hated the gold lamé dress (all wrong for her) and weren't that crazy about the song, either.

Watch video of Jordin Sparks singing "One Step at a Time":


A bit more comedy. Instead of a "dead Elvis" routine, they used the same technology to merge an early Gladys Knight in a spoof audition session with the Pips, played by Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. It was fun, but not hilarious.

Watch video of Gladys Knight singing "Midnight Train to Georgia" with Pips Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr.:


Powerhouse Carrie Underwood takes the stage in the shortest dress of the evening to perform her new single, "Last Name." It's the same type of crossover country-pop as "Before He Cheats," but not quite as good. Still, we expect it'll chart satisfactorily.

Watch video of Carrie Underwood singing "Last Name":


For the final number, the top 12 perform a George Michael medley. First the girls do "Faith," then the guys do "Father Figure," with David Hernandez going almost sotto voce and breaking into a huge grin when he hit the word "naked" in the lyric "For just one moment, to be bold and naked at your side." Who did he throw that smile at? The entire group sang "Freedom," then introduced George Michael, who both looked and sounded creepy. The latter, we find out, can be attributed to a cold. The former? Perhaps to those oversized bug-like sunglasses that make him look like an aging diva. And to think we once had a crush on him. He sang "Praying for Time".

Watch video of Top 12 singing George Michael medley and George Michael singing "Praying for Time":


And finally the announcement. David Archuleta looks neither surprised nor upset. He seems genuinely happy for Cook. Cook, on his part, asks the audience to give it up for Archuleta and keeps an arm around him. Cook is joined onstage by his mother and brother Andrew. Cook blames it all on Andrew. Later, on the catwalk, singing the retchy new "coronation" song, "Time of My Life," that includes lyrics about a magic rainbow, Cook again calls Archuleta over and puts an arm around him. They appear to have a very brotherly relationship. It's nice. The fireworks go off, the confetti drops, Cook finishes singing and drops his face in his hand again, crying. We close with Andrew mouthing to the camera, "That's my brother." It sure is.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2008

American Idol FinaleAnd Then There Were Two

When David Cook is prounced the Season 7 American Idol Wednesday night, the first people he needs to thank are Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul (in that order). The three stooges judges threw him under a bus Tuesday night and guaranteed him the win. The next people Cook needs to thank are his rabidly loyal fans (us included) who dialed hundreds of times to win him the crown after the three stooges judges declared him roadkill. "Hell, no, he won't go," we protested and dialed until our fingers were bloody. And nothing will be more satisfying than wiping that smug grin off of Daddy Jeff Archuleta's face tonight. There will be no joy in Mudville Murray, Utah, mighty scrawny David Archuleta has struck out.

Not that either performer was bad -- or exceedingly great for that matter. It was a fairly balanced competition talent-wise. But it was also like comparing apples with oranges. Archuleta has the more melodically beautiful almost always perfectly pitched voice, but is emotionally vacant and vapid when it comes to lyrics, and, for the most part, lacks creativity. He is a ballad singer from the David Foster (or Clay Aiken) school of music. David Cook, has a raspier rocker quality to his voice (though, as he proved with "Music of the Night," he can handle a ballad with panache). His pitch isn't always perfect, but his crafting of a tune -- from rearranging the melody to his phrasing and emotional grasp of the lyrics -- can make a grown man cry. And America wept last night, along with Cook as he valiantly tried to hold back tears upon finishing his third number.

Perhaps the tears said it all in how the two Davids differ. Archuleta cried in response to the praise from the judges, especially each time Cowell proclaimed him the winner of a round or the contest. It was as if Daddy was telling him he had been a good boy. Cook teared up before receiving any adulation. We couldn't read his mind, but imagine it was over the emotion from the touching lyrics of the aptly titled "The World I Know," from the competition finally ending, from all the sad events he has had to endure with his brother's brain cancer and yesterday's announcement of his friend and co-contestant Luke Menard's Hodgkin lymphoma, another form of cancer.

The pro-
ducers chose a boxing match scenario for the finale, set to the theme from
"Rocky." They even had Michael "Let's get ready to rumble" Buffer open the show, announcing and introducing the contestants -- at 180 pounds, David "Sugarfoot" Cook and at 100 pounds soaking wet, David "Baby Face" Archuleta -- in robes with boxing gloves on. The theme continued throughout the evening, with commentary from boxing analyst Jim Lampley and coaching from Clive "Skeletor" Davis and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The most humorous part of the opening? When Buffer intoned: "Two men, with one name and one desire -- to be crowned champion. Their prize, a heavyweight title reserved only for superstars." Funny thing though, the video at that point shows Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood. Er, did we miss something? When did Chris Daughtry win "Idol"? They'd love us to all forget Taylor Hicks' win and believe that revisionist history.

Watch video of the opening boxing sequence of the finale:


Last week, Archuleta won the coin toss and selected to perform second. So, Cook began the competition. The first song for each was selected by Clive "The Cryptkeeper" Davis. He wasn't tossing any softballs and both contestants handled his selection deftly. Cook, looking grungier than usual tonight with slightly spiked and gelled hair, received U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and gave a strong performance. He started onstage and ended the performance on the catwalk, looked confident and professional. It wasn't his best of the season, but it was certainly finale-worthy. He had a great final note, but we were confused when the note continued and lingered after he had dropped the mike away from his face. (BTW, the same thing happened with Syesha's exit song last week). What up producers?

Randy said, "I think it was a great way to start off this duel of 2007 (Er, Randy, if Paula is seeing the future, critiquing songs that haven't been sung yet, you, Dude, are living in the past. It's 2008, man). Very nice song choice (er, he didn't pick it). I mean, I don't know if you did everything you could do with it, but I love the scoop of the note at the end. It was hot, baby. Hot!" Paula, making her first song title analogy of the night, said, "Well, you may not have found what you're looking for, but we have found David Cook. And we need to look no further. David Cook has arrived. Amen, amen. And you're in great voice tonight." Simon said, "I thought it was phenomenal."

Watch video of David Cook singing U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For":


Davis annointed Archuleta with Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." John is such a skilled and prolific singer, that most of us don't realize how difficult his songs are until other people try to perform them. Could Archuleta pull it off, especially when Clay Aiken scored so famously with the same number during Season 2? He could and he did. He started a bit uncertainly and with a small amount of pitchiness, but settled in and soared through the rest of the number. We agreed with Simon that it might have been his best performance of the season.

Randy said, "This is one of the best performances of this whole season and you picked the right time to peak, baby. That was flawless (well, no) and unbelievably molten hot. Hot, crazy vocals. Crazy vocals, crazy." Paula said, "My heart's still pounding, David. I've got chills up and down arms (As Archuleta starts to cry, Randy is still yelling "Crazy" in the background). The sun is never gonna go down on you, because you bring out so much sunshine in everyone throughout the whole world in your singing. And David, that was a beautiful, beautiful, stunning performance. I'm so excited, tonight is unbelievable (Randy in the background "It's hot, hot."). Simon, trying to shush them with, "OK, OK, OK, very easy to get overexciting tonight," added, "David, I'm going to be honest with you. I thought last week you were OK. I thought tonight's performance was arguably the best you've done so far. Taking everything into account, Round 1 goes to Archuleta."

Watch video of David Archuleta singing Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me":


We say: Round 1 went to Archuleta.

The producers smartly buried the songwriter's competition song into the middle of the Tuesday's contest. Any other spot and they would have lost their audience. Of course, the songs were sucky, but the contestants were allowed to select from the 10 songs which received the highest number of votes (those should have been easy to count, did any get more than 10?). Cook chose "Dream Big," something he could rock out. We weren't with the program -- and really couldn't make out the words over the band -- until he hit the chorus, which we thought had a fine hook and made the song commercially viable. Did we love it? Would we buy it? No. Would we listen to it again. Absolutely.

Randy said, "The song was just OK for me, but what made it really work is your voice. You were singing your face off. Whoa! He could hit those notes.What? Nice, nice." Paula said, "A song in your heart, a guitar in your hands, and we millions who sit here mesmerized by you. This is a great way to take a song we don't know and falls in love with it. Congratulations." Simon said, "Using the boxing analogy, it was a bit of a lightweight, I thought. I thought the end was OK. You made the most of what you had. I mean, bearing in mind this is supposed to be a winning song, it didn't feel like a winning moment for me. ... That was a 6½ out of 10."

Watch video of David Cook singing "Dream Big":


No surprise, Archuleta went for a syrupy ballad, the kind we expect -- and hate -- year after year. We were so bored with "In This Moment" we had trouble paying attention through the entire song. And Archuleta didn't seem to connect with the lyrics at all. It was a sickeningly sweet snooze. No surprise, the judges loved him and covered him with praise (has Randy ever said a negative word to Archuleta?)

Randy said, "Once again, I wasn't crazy about the song, but here's the deal, man. Right now, you are so in the zone, dawg, that you could sing the phone book and it would be good. So that was another hot performance." Er, Randy, this sounds familiar. Oh, that's right. It's the same thing you say every time Archuleta performs. Sheesh! Can't you even be bothered to come up with a new tongue bath for the finale? Paula said, "It's just another heartfelt performance. It doesn't matter what song you're singing. It's like you're on fire tonight. It's pure magic. And you know what? That is why you're in this spot that you're in in the finals, my dear. So congratulations." Simon said, "You definitely, definitely chose the better song there. Much more in keeping with the night. Round 2 goes to David Archuleta." David cries and we begin to understand that it's Cowell we should blame for the disgusting coronation songs. This is what he thinks is good music? Oh. But of course. He's also responsible for Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love," another piece of crap. Amazing that Mr. Teletubbie has become a zillionaire from bad taste.

Watch video of David Archuleta singing "In This Moment":


We say: Round 2 went to Cook.

The third song was con-
testant's choice. Cook chose Collec-
tive Soul's "The World I Know." Now, if you are a true Cook fan, this was a daring and praiseworthy choice. It was haunting and beautiful. We loved the tenderness and emotion he displayed, right down to the welling over eyes when he finished. If you just tuned in to watch a "finale performance" then you might have preferred, as Simon Cowell pointed out, an encore of "Hello" or "Billy Jean," or a new song that was more accessible. For those reasons alone, Cook should win. He didn't feel the need to pander to the greater audience with a more "popular" song choice. He instead remained true to himself and to those of us who will actually be buying his first CD. This is the music we want him to make, and that we'll happily buy. For those of you who would never buy a CD from an Idol contestant when the competition's become a distant memory, you probably remained unmoved. And so it goes.

Randy said, "You're showing people tonight a lot of different sides of David Cook. That was very nice sensitive side of David Cook and I love Collec-
tive Soul and I've been saying this for weeks now, I think this is definitely the kind of record that you could make and get by with. Very nice job, dude. Very nice." Paula said, "I look at you up on that stage and you're standing in your truth and you're delivering unbelivable songs with integrity and originality and I truly applaud you David Cook, I do (stands up and applauds). Simon said, "I just want to say publicly, that you are actually one of the nicest most sincere contestants we've had. It was a beautiful song, but I'm going to be honest with you. It was completely and utterly the wrong song choice for you on the night. Because what you should've done was, you should have sung 'Billie Jean' or 'Hello.' But you understand what I'm saying." When Ryan Seacrest asked Cook how he felt about Cowell's remarks, he smartly answered, "You know, for me this whole thing has been a progression, and so the way that I was looking at it was, 'why do something I've already done?' No, but, for the record, I completely understand what you're saying, so ... (at this point Simon gave him a wink)." And at this point we had to wonder if Simon's bashing of Cook all night had been a calculated move to get the troops out in force to vote for him. The reverse of his praise for Carly Smithson being her "kiss of death." We'll never know.

Watch video of David Cook singing Collective Soul's "The World I Know":


Not being nearly as brave, Archuleta did what Simon suggested Cook should have done, and sang "Imagine," considered by most everyone to be his strongest performance of the season. There is something about watching a performance for the first time and being caught unaware of how wonderful it is going to be. It never quite comes off as well the second time around. Of course, we didn't like it the first time around, and liked it even less the second time for the same reason: Archuleta does not connect emotionally to what John Lennon was writing. This is not a singer's song. It's a songwriter's song. Listen to how John Lennon sings it. He wants you to listen to the words, not the melody. It's not supposed to soar and have a dozen runs in it (more than the first time). It's supposed to hit you in the stomach and mean something to you. It did to Lennon. It's almost sacrilegious to pretty it up. And so it goes.

The judges, as expected, went nuts for it, for all the wrong reasons. Randy said, "Dude, you are so good tonight, you are exactly what this show is about. Finding the best singer that we can find. And the best singer, Season 7 IS RIGHT THERE!!!!!" Paula said, "You've left me speechless as I was when I first heard you sing this song. You were stunning tonight. You were stunning." Simon said, "At the end of the day, this show is about finding a star, and tonight I think we've witnessed one of the great finals. But in my opinion, David, you came out here tonight to win, and what we have witnessed is a knockout."

Watch video of David Archuleta singing John Lennon's "Imagine":


We say: Round 3 is a tie.

So what a shock it will be for all when David Cook is crowned tonight. According to DialIdol.com, there is NO POSSIBLE WAY Cook can lose. DialIdol.com has never been wrong in the six years it has been predicting the finale winner and Cook is 11.5% ahead of Archuleta, a huge lead by DialIdol standards. Even considering every possible margin of error, Cook is King. And we say, long live the king.

Ruben Studdard closed the show with an uninspired and forgettable rendition of "Celebrate Me Home."

Confirmed and unconfirmed spoilers for tonight's finale include:
David Cook and Mariah Carey will duet on "Always Be My Baby."
David Archuleta and Neil Diamond will duet on "America."
Seal, Donna Summer, ZZ Top, the Jonas Brothers, Kanye West and George Michael are also performing.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2008