David Archuleta is Rooting for Andrew Garcia
He may be releasing a book and working on a new album, but David Archuleta still has time to watch American Idol.
Asked by The Los Angeles Times about the new crop of contestants, the season seven runner-up said:
“I think they’re really talented. They show a lot of their own personalities, and I liked that about them. And there’s some really good singers, too. Like Andrew Garcia, I like the character that he’s shown. I feel like there’s a lot of pressure for them because people are now expecting them to change up the songs, and they’re not sure exactly what to be showing people.
“It’s matter of balance - changing the song enough to show who you are but still preserving the song for what made it magical.”
As for his upcoming CD?
“I’ve been working on it since January, but I had my first writing sessions in the summer, and I went to Nashville to write in October. Then the Christmas album came out and sort of took over, but I go back to Nashville this week. I just want it to sound more like me.
“I want people to say, ‘This is David talking.’ Instead of just interpreting - and I’m sure there will be songs like that - I want to focus on showing people who I am, what my personality is like and hoping that I leave an impression on people.”
He’s already left an impression on many people. Years after he exited the Idol stage, David remains one of the show’s most popular alums.
American Idol Semifinalists Thank Fans for Support
After asking American Idol semifinalists to take down their MySpace, YouTube and Facebook pages, it looks like Fox has lightened up a bit.
In the video below, Andrew Garcia, Alex Lambert and Lee Dewyze thank fans for all their love and support, while also giving out the contestants’ updated addresses on the aforementioned social networks, along with Twitter.
Enjoy the gracious-filled greetings below and sound off on which male you want to see in the finals:
America Almost Gets It Right
If a baseball player were to get a hit three out of every four at bats, he’d be a first ballot Hall of Famer.
If three out of every four couples on The Bachelor got married, viewers might not consider the show more of a farce than Sarah Palin’s claims to be a serious political figure.
Still, when American Idol viewers only get three out of four eliminations correct, the one they overlooked stands out the most.
Can anyone out there explain why Lacey Brown will be singing next week, while Michelle Delamor will be watching from home?!? The former simply doesn’t have the voice to compete, while the latter comes across as stiff sometimes, but can undoubtedly carry a major tune. Sigh.
We do give America props got eliminating Haeley “I Smile Like a Doll” Vaughn, Jermaine “God is My Homie” Sellers and John “There’s Nothing Special About Me” Park.
And after Crystal Bowersox blew us away this week, it’s hard to complain about anything. But Delamor deserved to stick around.
It was also nice to see Danny Gokey again. We’ve posted a photo of his performance below, as well as a few more from the results show:
Crystal Bowersox Performance of the Week: Long As I Can See the Light
After last night’s incredible rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long As I Can See The Light,” this may need to become a running THG feature:
The Crystal Bowersox Performance of the Week.
Despite being hospitalized earlier in the day for diabetes complications, the American Idol semifinalist strapped on her guitar, didn’t complain and established herself as the season nine front-runner.
She even made a funny joke at Simon’s expense in the opening video. Check it all out below and sound off: How awesome is Crystal Bowersox?!?
Crystal Bowersox Rocks, and Other American Idol Women Sing Well
She went from the hospital bed to the American Idol stage to the leader of the season nine pack in just 24 hours.
Indeed, we aren’t the first website to shower Crystal Bowersox with praise - and we definitely won’t be the last - but it’s well-deserved.
On a night of live performances that overshadowed the guys’ lackluster efforts the evening before, Bowersox recovered from a dangerous illness and led the way. We run down the top 10 below…
- Crystal Bowersox: She gets points for showing up and for not playing the sympathy card. But especially for her unique rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long As I Can See the Light.”
- Lilly Scott: A close second. Challenged herself with the Sam Cooke classic “A Change is Gonna Come” and was even better than last week. Love her confidence in just who she is.
- Michelle Delamor: Note to Todrick Hall: this is how you re-arrange a song! Michelle comes across as a professional singer and turned a Creed rock single into a ballad.
- Siobhan Magnus: The anti-Aretha Franklin sung Franklin’s “Think” and showcased her versatility. The place went nuts when she hit her high notes.
- Katelyn Epperly: Ellen was off base with this critique. The song was supposed to be slow, and the use of the piano proved that Katelyn has multiple sides to her.
- Katie Stevens: She has a great voice and a great personality. The judges have to get over the fact that she’s 17 and just let her sing.
- Paige Miles: It’s always daring to take a song by an American Idol winner, but Miles did Kelly Clarkson’s “Walk Away” sort of proud. Definitely needed more of an edge to it.
- Didi Benami: We felt terrible for when the tears welled up during the judges’ criticism. But “Lean On Me?” Really? It’s impossible to make that song your own at this point.
- Lacey Brown: Simply not up to par, vocals-wise, with the other contestants.
- Haeley Vaughn: We’re all for being happy, but her constant smiling freaks us out. She’s like a doll of some kind.mi
It’s a clear choice, in our view: Lacey and Haeley should go home tonight. What do you think?
Aaron Kelly and Michael Lynche Don’t Suck on American Idol
Due to a medical emergency involving Crystal Bowersox, the men were forced to switch nights with the ladies this week on American Idol.
We guess we could chalk up the number of poor performances to this scheduling switch… if so many guys had not also been lackluster last Wednesday evening.
While a handful of semifinalists stood out, we wouldn’t complain if any of the bottom half of contestants listed below got voted out. Here’s how we’d rank this week’s male contenders:
- Aaron Kelly: Granted, “My Girl” is a fun, easy song to sing for anyone with a good voice. But Aaron showed impressive range and confidence for a 16-year old.
- Michael Lynche: Might have to be known for more than his physique and personality know. Fantastic song choice with a James Brown classic.
- Casey James: The judges may say it’s a singing competition, but his electric guitar will help James go far. So will his looks.
- Lee DeWyze:We hate to agree with Kara, but it’s true: we could imagine Lee on the radio right this very instant.
- Andrew Garcia: That rendition of “Straight Up” is coming back to hurt him. No performance since has compared.
- Alex Lambert: We weren’t nearly as impressed as the judges. He may not have vomited before performing this week, but is that the standard we’re going by now?
- Todrick Hall: The best of the worst. We’ll give him points again for at least trying something different.
- John Park: Ellen said she likes his look. The guy wears a t-shirt and… is Asian? We’re not sure what Ellen means.
- Jermaine Sellers: Says he’ll stick around because “I know God.” Loved Simon’s response: Then there’s no need for anyone to call in for you, right?
- Tim Urban: Seems like a very nice guy. But simply isn’t a very good singer.
Take your pick, vote our any of the final four and we’ll be happy. But we’d send Sellers and Urban packing. How about you?
Below, we’ve posted performance photos of all 10 semifinalists. Click on each to enlarge and choose your favorite…
Aaron Kelly vs. Siobhan Magnus: Semifinalist Showdown!
The week after American Idol made its first round of cuts (sorry, Tyler, Janell, Ashley and Joe), we’re continuing to ask readers which semifinalists they think will advance the farthest.
Past showdowns between singers, for example, have pitted Katie Stevens vs. Katelyn Epperly. Which of those young beauties has the most potential?
Now, for the first time in this feature, we’re mixing up genders. Fox may wish to separate men and women like some sort of middle school dance, but THG is all about integration!
Last Tuesday, viewers voted Siobhan Magnus through after an impressive rendition of Chris Isaac’s “Wicked Game.” As an alternative to guitar players such as Didi Benami, Magnus may be a dark horse on the female side.
Meanwhile, Aaron Kelly also received good news from voters. His adorable mug will be on full display again this Wednesday. Choose between these contestants below…
Which semifinalist will advance farther on American Idol?
Adam Lambert to Perform on American Idol
Adam Lambert will return to the American Idol stage this season.
A few hours after Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen performed for fans, Lambert Tweeted today:
“Yes, I have been booked on Idol! Can’t reveal the date yet but it’s a ways off… So excited. Kris and Allison were awesome last night.”
They sure were. But Lambert’s debut album sold the most copies of any season eight finalist and his appearance later this year is sure to draw huge ratings.
But which competitors will still be around to see him? Our money is on Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Didi Benami or Crystal Bowersox to walk away with the season nine crown. What do you think?
American Idol Makes First Four Cuts
Sheryl Crow once crooned that “the first cut is the deepest.”
For American Idol last night, the first four cuts were the most erroneous. Let’s analyze each below:
Joe Munoz over Tim Urban?!? The latter might be cute, but did you see the look of shock on his face after Ryan told Tim he was safe? Did viewers really do Urban a favor by keeping him around and ensuring his weak vocal skills will be torn apart again and again until America comes to its senses?
Tyler Grady over Jermaine Sellers?!? We weren’t fans of Grady’s 1970s-inspired gimmick, either. But he made a great point (which Simon acknowledged, if you read his lips) about the judges selecting him for the semifinals… but then jumping all over him for the same schtick that got him there.
It would have been nice to have seen if Tyler had more to offer going forward, especially compared to the over-emotional nonsense that Sellers through our way this week.
Janell Wheeler over Haeley Vaughn?!? Yes, Wheeler chose the wrong song. She’s not a rocker. But Vaughn comes across like some sort of frightening, dressed-up doll. She just looks awkward on stage and her rendition of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” wasn’t strong.
Ashley Rodriguez over Lacey Brown?!? Brown was really bad and Ashley is really good looking. Come on, voters!
At least we got to see Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen perform. And at least we can still look forward to Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami and Andrew Garcia next week. But this was a poor start for the viewing public.
Did you agree with who was sent home? As you ponder that question, check out a few photos below from the first results show of season nine:
Casey James and Andrew Garcia Lead Semifinal Parade of Men
We’re glad we’re not an American Idol contestant this season. Partly because we have an atrocious voice and would be laughed out of the competition.
But also because the judges seem more scatter-brained and confusing than ever: be original, they tell contestants, but not so original that you butcher a song. Be true to who you are, they add, but also mix it up and stand out.
For example: If you didn’t like Tyler Grady’s 70s schtick, panel, why did you select him for the semifinals?
With that complaint out of the way, we’ve ranked last night’s set of live performances from best to worst:
- Casey James: Yes, we’re suckers for the Bryan Adams single “Heaven.” But aside from his voice, we admired James for the classy way he handled the show’s focus on Kara’s fawning over him.
- Andrew Garcia: Stop bringing up his great rendition of “Straight Up” from an earlier round, judges, and focus on each performance. We loved his arrangement on “Sugar We’re Going Down.”
- Todrick Hall: We’re probably alone with this pick, but the guy took a major risk by re-working a Kelly Clarkson classic and he gets props for that.
- Lee DeWyze: We had no idea he had this in him. Solid work on “Chasing Cars” and the official male dark horse.
- John Park: Did he try to do much with a difficult song? Yes, but he wants to marry Shania Twain and the show could use someone with a sense of humor.
- Alex Lambert: The judges actually did call this one perfectly. He has potential, but just needs to get more comfortable on stage.
- Aaron Kelly: If he had waited a year or two to try out, could have been a front-runner. Decent performance of “Here Comes Goodbye.”
- Joe Munoz: We’re just glad he didn’t choose the popular Jason Mraz song everyone sings. Actually not bad, but a lack of stage presence and star power.
- Jermaine Sellers: Over-singing alert! The guy just tries too hard on stage and it doesn’t look natural.
- Michael Lynche: We’re huge fans of “Big Mike” as a person. Nice, sweet guy. But he simply lacks the vocal talent.
- Tyler Grady: We never liked his 1970s look. Way too much of a gimmick.
- Tim Urban: Actually worse than Lacey Brown the night before.
Browse through performance photo of the competitors from last night and let us know: Who was your favorite?
