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.

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American Idol:The Top 7 Results Show

Bottom Three:
Syesha Mercado ("Vanishing")
Brooke White ("Hero")
Kristy Lee Cook ("Forever")


Eliminated:
Kristy Lee Cook








Watch video of Kristy Lee Cook elimination:


To no one's surprise, a girl was eliminated tonight. As Simon Cowell called it Tuesday night, "I think the guys, funny enough, are going to have an easier time than the girls tonight because there's not the comparison." Ryan Seacrest said the finalists received almost 36 million votes, the highest total of the season to date.

Interestingly, the amount of money the show received for "Idol Gives Back" week may have been a disappointment, as, unlike last season, they didn't say a word about the total this week. The last total announced was $60 million last week, down from the $76 million collected in '07. The show's producers had projected they could reach $100 million year, but apparently were overpredicting the success of their year's fund drive for needy children in Africa and the United States. The "Idol Gives Back" show drew the least number of viewers for an Idol-related telecast in more than four years.

This week, the Top 7 finalists performed the Mariah Carey-Boyz II Men duet "One Sweet Day." Perhaps in an omen of what was to follow, Kristy Lee Cook performed a horribly pitchy solo.

Watch video of Top 7 group medley, "One Sweet Day":


Next, Ryan Seacrest pimped the songwriting contest, telling viewers there was only one more week to vote for the no-doubt ickily-sweet coronation song. Titles of some of the 20 finalists include "Believe," "Dream Big," "Something Like Heaven" and "The Time of My Life." The song titles are SO original, there's even a "You Believe in Me" and a "You Believed in Me." Thanks, we'll take a pass on the voting. Hearing the coronation song numerous times during the finale will be too much.

Time to begin the eliminations, and it's the old seven remaining finalists game. Ryan first sent Jason Castro to one side of the stage, then David Cook to the other. What? Everyone just knew that Cook was safe. Did this mean that Castro was in the Bottom 3? We're stunned, being sure it was going to be three ladies. Next out, Carly Smithson, who tells everyone that the judges have been hard on her, singling out Simon, who tells Carly he's hard on her because she has the potential to be great and he expects more from her. She is sent to stand with Jason. OK, that seems logical, her Tuesday night performance being sucky. Kristy Lee Cook comes onstage and continues the Simon bashing, calling him a butt. Interesting night, the women are getting daring. Perhaps they all think they're leaving and figure it's their last time to take a shot at the judge who's tormented them with his comments. Kristy Lee is sent to join David Cook.

We go to commercial break and come back to the Ford com-
mercial. In it, the finalists are puppets in an office environment singing "I Want to Break Free." They then cut their strings and escape. Hmmm, we can relate to that sentiment.

Watch video of Ford commercial "I Want to Break Free":


Season 5 third-place finisher Elliot Yamin, who, sadly, lost his mom last week, returns to the "Idol" stage to perform "Free," the lastest single from his freshman CD. Elliot tells Ryan that it's the first time he's taken the stage without his mom, but he knows she's watching him. It's hard to remember the buzzcut, fanged-toothed Elliott who originally appeared on the show. Though a little shaggy in the hair department, his makeover is still working for him. He wears jeans and a velvet jacket over a white shirt and long white scarf that almost looks like a tallis under his jacket.

Watch video of Elliott Yamin performing "Free":


Back to the results. Syesha Mercado actually looks pissed and upset when she is sent over to join Jason and Carly, who we're sure she knows is the Bottom 3 group, while Brooke White, who, unlike Syesha, actually deserves to be in the Bottom 3, comes out and is told to join the Cooks -- David Cook and Kristy Lee.

We pause the results again to go to the viewer Q&A's. We learn that the man who Kristy Lee sold her horse to won't sell the horse back to her. Ryan makes an on-air appeal to the guy to sell Kristy Lee her barrel horse back. Next, the judges recall the first records they ever bought. For Randy Jackson it was Led Zepplin, the Beatles and James Brown. Paula Abdul says she bought the Jackson 5, Earth Wind and Fire, and Carole King's "Tapestry." Witty Simon answers that as a 10-year-old he purchased Paula Abdul's "Straight Up," cracking Ryan up. Paula then takes a question from Megan, who tells Paula, "I was the Megan your TV show." Paula gives a completely blank look to the camera, obviously having no idea what Megan is referring to. Megan, oblivious, continues, asking Paula what song of hers best describes her relationship with Simon. On a roll, Simon immediately jumps in with "Straight Up," to which Paula gives a you wish retort, while Randy jokes that it's "Cold Hearted Snake," which Paula says is too obvious. She finally tells Simon it'll never be "Forever Your Girl."

And the questions continue. Simon is asked what the difference is between all of the various adjectives he employs to describe contestant performances. He obviously is annoyed by the question which sets off Randy and Paula laughing at him, so he mocks the caller with faces as she continues, then replies that all of his descriptive adjectives mean the performance was horrible and not something you want on the show. The last question is to David Cook. The caller wants to know if he's single. David asks which camera to look into, then gives an emphatic "yes." Good for him. That makeover has made him a real hottie.

Watch video of viewer question to David Cook:


Mariah Carey performs "Bye Bye" from her just-released CD "E=MC2." She then talks to Ryan about mentoring and Ryan tells her that Randy always takes credit for her success. She laughingly agrees that it is all Randy. Unlike the Tuesday night contestant videos, she comes off a bit full of herself and diva-ish on the results show, the Mariah Carey personality we hate.

Watch video of Mariah Carey performing "Bye Bye":


Finally, back to the results with the two groups. Ryan tells us that there are too many Cooks in the kitchen, and has David C. exchange places with Syesha. Now it all makes sense. David C., Jason and Carly (which is a surprise) on the safe side; Syesha, Kristy Lee and Brooke on the Bottom 3 side. Ryan calls David Archuleta out, tells him he's safe, then asks him to join the group he thinks is safe. As in previous years, David sits down on the stage, refusing to make the choice. Ryan moves over toward David, Carly and Jason, telling Archuleta that to move toward the safe group he'd have to move in that direction. Archuleta remains seated, so David C. sits down next to him, followed by Jason and a standing Carly, who can't sit because of her tight skirt. Ryan has them stand up, and declares them all safe.

The Bottom 3 ladies have to wait through another commercial break. Ryan releases Syesha to safety, then asks Randy is America picked right. Randy says it's tough every week now and he can't make the call. Paula does her patronizing BS about how she's proud of all of them. Simon, never shy, says "No surprises, maybe Kristy. You know, your time's up this time, sweetheart." Randy injects, "Oh, so positive," and Simon answers, "Well, it has to be one of you." Randy says, "Yeah, it's true." Well, duh, yeah, Randy. Kristy answers Simon, "Well, I made it past the Top 10," getting herself a round of applause. Meanwhile Brooke keeps protesting, saying "We don't know what's happening." She must have checked out DialIdol.com, which had her almost in a dead heat with Syesha for last place, while Kristy Lee was fourth from the bottom. Finally, Ryan tells Brooke she is safe. After her journey video, we see Kristy sitting on the judges' table singing the beginning of "For-
ever" to Simon, a cute and classy depar-
ture move.

Next week, the 6 remaining finalists will be mentored by and sing the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. We would love to see David Cook do one of his daring takes on something from "Phantom of the Opera."




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American Idol:The Top 8 Results Show

Bottom Three:
Syesha Mercado ("I Believe")
Michael Johns ("Dream On")
Carly Smithson ("The Show Must Go On")

Eliminated:
Michael Johns (Yikes!!!)







A wave of shock and disbelief spread throughout the theater when Ryan Seacrest made the announcement. After he sequestered the Bottom 3, we're sure most everyone, like ourselves, believed that either Carly or Syesha was doomed instead. In fact, we thought David Cook, whom we love, but who had a terrible night on Tuesday would be standing in Michaels' place. DialIdol.com placed Cook and Johns in a near deadheat for the third from bottom position, with Syesha second from the bottom and Carly dead last. Carly was so sure she was leaving, when the con-
testants were still back-
stage and Ryan broke for a commercial with the words "when we come back we'll see who's going home tonight," Carly actually raised her hand. After Seacrest eliminated Johns, Smithson was seen numerous times on the couch crying more than anyone else. Almost as if she had survivor's guilt. It was interesting to watch the reactions of the other finalists on the couch when the camera panned other there. Jason Castro wasn't even looking at Johns and Seacrest onstage, he was actually looking in the other direction, automatically clapping his hands with the crowd, but seemingly unaffected and uncaring. David Cook was visibly upset, even looked angry. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were also caught off guard. Johns was one of the few finalists left they all seemed to like when they appeared on Larry King's CNN show Monday night. We think all three judges, at the very least, expected Johns to make it to at least the Top 5. Abdul looked stunned, Jackson and Cowell upset, especially after Johns completed his exit song by the judges' table. All three approached him. Abdul embraced him for a long time, Jackson had his hand on Johns' shoulder and Cowell stood there waiting his turn to have a word with him.

Watch video of Michael Johns elimination. Note the really cruel act by Seacrest, who, after telling Johns he'd been eliminated, said, "Now, last year during 'Idol Gives Back,' we didn't eliminate anybody at this stage of the competition," making everyone think that Michael wouldn't go. Seacrest paused, then added, "Tonight, we're going to say goodbye to Michael Johns." How mean can you be? Why was that necessary? Everyone was already shocked and upset. It was a new low blow for "American Idol."



Watch video of "American Idol" Top 8 singing "Shout to the Lord":



Watch video of Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown performing "No Air" on Thursday night's show:



Watch video of Ford commercial "I Just Want to Celebrate":


Next week, Mariah Carey is guest mentor, when, according to a Fox press release, the contestants will "perform songs by Mariah Carey." Well, doesn't that sound like a train wreck waiting to happen, especially for the guys? We had imagined it more like last year's visit by Gwen Stefani, when the finalists sang "songs that have inspired Gwen Stefani." All we can say is "Uh-oh."

In other Idol news, before the elimination Seacrest told the audience that "Idol Gives Back" had raised $60 million so far. Last year, the show garnered $76 million and this year's goal was $100 million. Ratings were significantly down for "Idol Gives Back" 2008. Despite being the top-rated show Wednesday, 17.5 million viewers tuned into the show, down from last year's 26.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

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© 2008

Idol Gives Back 2008

"Idol's" feel good/feel bad show of the season made its 2nd annual appearance. It was bigger (2½ hours) and better (the stars were out in force) than last year, while still being poignant and heartrending. And, of course, it was even stupid in parts while trying to be funny. Ultimately, without any real "Idol" action to look forward to, i.e. the eliminations which take place tonight, IdolGivesBackpalooza II turned into your standard begathon.

The show was a mixture of Sunday night's pre-recorded show hosted by Ryan Seacrest (Ellen DeGeneres bowed out at the last minute) and some new material, but it was made to look as if it was all happening live. During the show, all of Season 7's Top 12 were shown taking donor calls in typical telethon style. This year, "Idol Gives Back" is shooting to top last year's $76 million in donations with $100 million. Sadly, even that much money will make only a small dent in all the suffering and poverty in the world.

The show opened with those crazy kids from So You Think You Can Dance (another great Nigel Lythgoe-produced show) performing to Rhianna's "Please Don't Stop the Music" sung by "Idol's" Top 8. The combination worked really well. Now we can't wait for the new season of SYTYCD to begin. Perhaps the two shows should tour together next year instead of separately.

Click here to watch video of "So You Think You Can Dance" dancers and "Idol's" Top 8

Of course, the evening was filled with video appeals, beginning with Jimmy Johnson, George Lopez and Kylie Minogue. And surprise! Ben Stiller is no funnier this year than he was last year, his set of 2007 videos being the lamest part of last year's show.

Watch video of Ben Stiller, who's still NOT funny in 2008:


Calfornia's first lady and celebrity in her own right Maria Shriver made an appeal for volunteerism.

Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson performed "Don't Say Goodbye" with the Snoop Youth Football League swaying in the background.

Watch video of Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson singing "Don't Say Goodbye":


Next, video donation appeals from (accused rapist) Kobe Bryant and Triple H.

Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul introduce a video about poor kids in California being helped by Save the Children.

Click here to watch video of Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul at the Goshen school

Carrie Underwood, Teri Hatcher and James Denton did a short video skit in which Denton helps Underwood fix her sink. Hatcher catches them and tells Underwood "If you're going to steal my man, I'm going to steal your song," after which she takes the stage to (ugh!) sing "Before He Cheats." Don't quit your day job, Teri.

Watch video Carrie Underwood, James Denton and Teri Hatcher, then Hatcher singing "Before He Cheats":


Afterwards, Underwood came onstage to tell Hatcher she did a nice job (liar, liar, pants on fire. You guys will say anything for charity).

SYTYCD's judge and choreographer Mary Murphy did a video appeal in which she threatens to do her trademark scream until someone donates, while executive producer and fellow SYTYCD judge Nigel Lythgoe sat with his ears plugged.

The Jonas Brothers do a Give Now video appeal, followed by Billy Crystal introducing a young girl who he said wants to sing on American Idol (Miley Cyrus). After an exchange between the two she performs "Good and Broken."

Watch video of the Jonas Brothers appeal, Billy Crystal and Miley Cyrus, and Cyrus singing "Good and Broken":


Ryan Seacrest, back in the "Idols" studio with the Top 12 onstage taking calls.

Bono gives a report from Africa on the Global Fund. He talks about HIV/AIDS in Africa. Cick here to watch video of Bono in Africa.

Julianne Moore does video donation appeal.

Fergie comes out to perform "Finally" with John Legend accompanying her on piano.

Watch video of Fergie and John Legend singing "Finally":


Then Fergie introduces her idols, the group Heart. Heart performs "Barracuda," with Fergie joining them to sing the second verse.

Watch video of Heart and Fergie singing "Barracuda":


John Cena does his video donation appeal, as does Adam Sandler.

Back in the studio with Ryan and the Top 12. Ryan says you can download the songs from iTunes to donate too.

Football brothers Eli and Peyton Manning introduce a video in which they visit kids still affected by Hurricane Katrina in their hometown, New Orleans, La.

Watch video with Eli and Peyton Manning:


Watch video appeal by David and Victoria Beckham:

More of Ryan with the Top 12 taking calls, then off again to Bono and Annie Lennox in Africa talking to kids about their family who have died. Click here to watch video of Bono and Annie Lennox in Africa.

On the show, Annie Lennox performs "Many Rivers to Cross."

Watch video of Annie Lennox sing "Many Rivers to Cross":


Keifer Sutherland does a brief video appeal, followed by Celine Dion in South Africa with orphans who have been getting support from last year's Idol Gives Back.

Watch video of Celine Dion in Africa (extremely poor quality):


Jimmy Kimmel introduces Simon Cowell, he says, because no one else would do it. Kimmel jokes about Cowell's attitude, wardrobe, nipples and haircut. Simon takes it all in stride. Kimmel then introduces Simon's video, about Americans without health care. He travels to New York to visit doctors and nurses who treat them in mobile-health clinics.

Click here to watch video of Jimmy Kimmel introducing Simon Cowell.

Back on the show, Simon talks about his trip, and tells Jimmy how much he loves Jay Leno's show. Cowell then introduces Carrie Underwood, who performs "Praying for Time."

Watch video of Simon Cowell introducing Carrie Underwood singing "Praying for Time":


Whoopi Goldberg and Ellen DeGeneres do Give Now videos.

Gloria Estefan performs "Get On Your Feet" with Sheila E on drums and the SYTYCD dancers.

Watch video of Gloria Estefan and Sheila E performing "Get on Your Feet":


Sarah Silverman talks about malaria and introduces a video about Forrest Whitaker's trip to Africa.


British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says Britain will donate to the malaria cause. Ryan says they are up to $20 million donated (including corporate sponsors).

Keith Urban does a donation video, then Reese Witherspoon spotlights the Children's Defense Fund. Witherspoon traveled to New Orleans to visit families and highlight Freedom Schools.

Watch video of Reese Witherspoon donation appeal:


Ryan introduces the Top 8 singing "Seasons of Love."

Watch video of Top 8 singing "Seasons of Love":


Dane Cook talks about Alicia Keys and her trip to Africa. Dane announces that if you go to the web site and donate you can download Alicia's entire trip.

Watch video of Alicia Keys singing "Prelude to a Kiss" in Africa:


Watch video donation appeal of Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale and Miley Cyrus returns to sing "See You Again."



Last year, Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus went to Kentucky, where nearly half the kids live below the poverty line.

Watch video donation appeal of Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus:


Ryan introduces the "Russian Idol" (Robin Williams), or "Bob," as he tells Ryan to call him. He auditions for the judges. Randy calls him pitchy, Paula likes his shirt and Simon thinks he is brilliant. "Bob" says he loves Simon in a Brokeback way then hugs and gropes Cowell.

Watch video of Ryan Seacrest and the "Russian Idol" (Robin Williams):


Rob Schneider and Tyra Banks do video donation appeals.

David Spade talks about New Orleans and how Brad Pitt is working to get people back into their homes after Hurricane Katrina. Pitt then comes out but has microphone difficulties. A crew person comes out to fix it and says she just wanted a reason to touch Brad. Brad introduces a clip of Daughtry in Uganda singing "What About Now."

Watch video of Brad Pitt introducing Daughtry singing "What About Now":


Mariah Carey sings "Fly Like a Bird" with Randy Jackson accompanying her on bass.

Watch video Mariah Carey singing "Fly Like a Bird":


Dressed all in white like angels, "Idol's" Top 8 Idols close the show with "Shout to the Lord."

Watch video of the Top 8 singing "Shout to the Lord":


Donations to "Idol Gives Back" can be given at the American Idol Website.

All iTunes proceeds from show performances will go to the charity as well.

Peace.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2008

American Idol:The Top 11 Results Show

Bottom Three:
Carly Smithson ("Blackbird")
Kristy Lee Cook ("You've Got to Hide Your Love Away")
Amanda Overmyer ("Back in the U.S.S.R.")



Eliminated:
Amanda Overmyer







Watch video of Amanda Overmyer elimination:

At the top of the show, Ryan Seacrest announced this season's mentors: Dolly Parton (who just released her latest CD, "Backwoods Barbie"), Mariah Carey (whose next CD, "E=MC2," releases on April 15), Andrew Lloyd Webber (currently appearing on the BBC 1 show 'I'd Do Anything,' in which he is conducting a search for stars to take on the leads in a new production of "Oliver") and Neil Diamond (whose new album, "Home Before Dark," releases on May 6). Are you beginning to see a trend here? Got a new CD or something else to promote? Dial 1-555-IDOL-PRODUCERS.

Still, we have to give credit to "Idol's" producers for checking out our exclusive poll that ran from the middle of last season until January 2008, where we asked our readers to vote on whose songbook they wanted to see featured with that person mentoring on the show. The producers apparently weren't able to get your most popular choice, Carole King, but they were able to snag two other of your most popular choices to appear.

Here are your results:

Musically, the show gets off to an inauspicious beginning with audio problems during the Top 11 Beatles medley. First the audio starts fading while Jason Castro and David Cook sing their section of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Next Ramiele Malubay joins Brooke White for "Here, There and Everywhere," but only Brooke's microphone is working. We're beginning to think it's going to be a very long hour (and, in fact, it was. The show ran over to 62 minutes. Who knew there was that much fluffy filler in the world?)

Watch video of Top 11 Beatles Medley:


Part of the fluffy filler included not only the week's Ford commercial by the Top 11, but also a video of the making of the week's Ford commercial. Does Ford have to pay double for the ad time this week?

Watch video of Top 11 Ford commercial "Should I Stay or Should I Go":

And just when you think it can't get any fluffier -- or stupider -- we come to this year's lamest segment, the viewer call-in Q&A. Someone needs to tell the producers that this segment is even worse than last season's "Man/Woman/Child on the Street" interviews by Ryan Seacrest. Those were dazzlingly entertaining by comparison! Simon Cowell was asked why he spends so much on cars and so little on clothes, a question Cowell called "rude." Simon and Paula Abdul were asked if they would considering filming a sequel to their kiss scene from Season 2 (He says "yes," because Paula is a good kisser. Paula never got to answer). Ramiele was asked what the last song she downloaded to her iPod was (R. Kelly's "I'm a Flirt") and Michael Johns was asked if his "Idol" experience has been everything he thought it would be (yes, and more. It's been very stressful). Wow! How illuminating.

Watch video of stupid viewer call-in Q&A.

We are treated to shown clips of Kellie Pickler's progression from roller-skating waitress at Sonic to post-"Idol" breast-augmented country singer. Ryan introduces the video with a snide double-entendre about how everything in her life has gotten bigger. Kellie then sings "Red High Heels," a seemingly odd choice as it was her very first release from "Small Town Girl." Currently touring with Rascal Flatts, Pickler reveals that she is working on her "sophomore" album. She looks slim, stylish, young and pretty and about a million times better than she did during her Season 6 appearance (bottom picture in blue dress). The "Idol" producers most love Kellie. Even though she finished in sixth place during Season 5, she has rated two post-"Idol" appearances, whereas Katharine McPhee, that season's runner-up, was snubbed by the show until last week.

Watch video of Kellie Pickler performing "Red High Heels":


And finally, just prior to the elimination, the show does its weekly pimp spot for this year's "Idol Gives Back" on April 9. This week it's a clip of Elliott Yamin and Fantasia in Angola distributing mosquito nets. Elliott gets all verklempt when a woman names her newborn for him. OK, it was touching and we verklempt, too. Sue us! We've also learned, though Ryan strangely didn't announce it, that Ellen DeGeneres will again be cohosting the show this year. DeGeneres will host from the Kodak Theatre with Seacrest hosting from the "Idol" stage.

The updated list of performers includes Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men, The Clark Brothers, Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg, with many more to come. This year's event will raise awareness and funds to benefit six charities: the Children’s Defense Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children and the Children’s Health Fund.

Watch Elliott Yamin, Fantasia in Angola video:


Next week, the Top 10 finalists perform songs from the year they were born. On Wednesday night, Season 2 finalist Kimberley Locke will perform her new single, "Fall."

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2008

And Then There Were 16

Eliminated:
Jason Yeager
Alexandréa Lushington
Alaina Whitaker
Robbie Carrico

Watch video of Jason Yeager elimination:


Watch video of Alexandréa Lushington elimination:


Watch video of Alaina Whitaker elimination:


Watch video of Robbie Carrico elimination:


Watch video of Top 20 '70s medley:


Next week, the Top 16 semifinalists will be singing hits from the '80s. The week after, the Top 12 finalists will sing music from the Beatles songbook, available to the show for the first time. There will be a new set, new opening credits and a special exit song by Ruben Studdard.

"Idol Gives Back" returns on April 9. The producers have already signed Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, Reese Witherspoon, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Daughtry and Carrie Underwood to appear.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2008