Randomly Yours, Bouffe: David Hernandez

Showing posts with label David Hernandez. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

American Idol - Season 7 - Favorite Moments

It would be really hard for me to name the Top 10 Best Performances of the Season for me. As a David Cook fan, I find that the majority of his performances were the best, each and every week. So my Top 10 would be filled with Cookie's performances, with perhaps the occasional Michael Johns and Carly Smithson performance here and there.

So instead, I wanted to post my favorite performance for each of the Top 10 contestants.

David Cook - The World I Know - Top 2
Oy. This will be TOUGH!!! What song, what one song would I choose to show someone who's never heard of Cook what he is all about? It's so hard to choose just one (and I'm a Libra, so it's even harder for me!)... Each and every performance that Cook has produced, I love, for different reasons. To showcase his musical talent, I'd choose Billy Jean. To show his emotional connect to the lyrics, I'd choose Always Be My Baby. To show his stage presence, I'd choose Day Tripper. To show off his brilliant vocals, I'd choose Music of The Night. Come to think of it... There is one song that shows off all of those sides to David Cook; "The World I Know". The only side left out in this is the rocker side of Cook, although there are hints of it. The simple, understated arrangement really allowed his voice to shine in all its wonderful glory. He had everything in that performance - soft caressing vocals, gritty powerful notes, fantastic falsetto, emotional delivery. I think this song/performance really encompasses the season for him. He did not get enough credit for it while on the show, either. It was brilliant.

Ai7 Top2 Finale Part5
by igrecman

David Archuleta - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - Top 2
Can I choose his duet with Cook on "Hero" during Finale Night? That was my very best from Archie, although "Apologize" with One Republic was really great, too. I really wish he had done such songs during the season! Well, maybe not, because he might have won instead of Cook. ;) "Imagine", "Stand By Me" and "And So It Goes" were all strong contenders, but in the end, I chose "Don't Let The Sun go Down On Me" as my fav from Archie. It was not his best vocally, but I felt that he poured so much of himself into that song, so much more than he ever did before during the season. It really grabbed me.

Ai7 Top2 Finale Part2
by igrecman

Syesha Mercado - One Rock and Roll Too Many - Top 6
Syesha showed us a totally different side of her with that song, and I think she pulled it off brilliantly.

Ai7 Top6 Part1 Syesha
by igrecman

Jason Castro - Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Top 8
It was hard to choose between this one and Hallelujah. The reason why I chose this one over the other is that I felt he played around with his vocals much more than with Hallelujah. I also felt he was more comfortable and more connected to the lyrics. That is the Jason Castro I really love.

Ai7 Top8 Part2 Syesha Jason
by igrecman

Brooke White - Let It Be - Top 12
Perfect song for her voice. Beautiful straight up arrangement with the piano and the strings. I like it when her voice cracks a bit... I felt she tried too hard in the later stages of the competition and let her nerves get the best of her. I don't feel we saw the best of Brooke in the end because of that.

Ai7-Top12 Part 6 Brooke White
by igrecman

Carly Smithson - Jesus Christ Superstar - Top 6
Without a shadow of a doubt, Jesus Christ Superstar was my favorite Carly performance of the whole season. It was not her strongest vocals, but it was far and away her best performance wise. She finally let loose, let her voice do the work, and she had fun. She stopped worrying for a second and enjoyed the moment. LOVED IT!

Ai7 Top6 Part5 Carly Smithson
by igrecman

Kristy Lee Cook - Anyway - Top 8
I always thought that Kristy's voice was good, but there was always something missing in her performances. Stage presence? Emotional connection to the lyrics? Connection with the crowd? I don't know... I thought her "Anyway" was clearly her best - I felt she felt the lyrics that night and showed us some of that spark, some of that star quality that was missing for me for most of the season.

Ai7 Top8 Part3 Kristy Lee Cook
by igrecman

Michael Johns - It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right - Top 9
To me, this really showed the husky, soulful quality in Michael's voice at its best. Very bluesy arrangement that allowed his voice to shine, and the simplicity of it really let his voice carry the song. To me, this was his best vocally. There were many of Michael's performances that I liked, but if I had to choose only one to show someone and win them over, it would absolutely have to be this one.

Ai7 Top9 Part6 Michael Johns American Idol
by igrecman

Ramiele Malubay - In My Life - Top 12
I have not been a fan of Ramiele all through the season. I always thought she had a great tone to her voice and was a very good singer, but I never found that she was a good performer at all, or chose songs that would grab me. This one is probably my favorite of hers, because she really does sing it very, very well.

Ai7-Top12 Part 2 Chikezi Ramiele
by igrecman

Chikezie - She's A Woman - Top 12
That was such a fun, energetic performance from Chikezie! Way out of his box, and he pulled it off.

Ai7-Top12 Part 2 Chikezi Ramiele
by igrecman

And while he didn't make the Top 10, I am still including David Hernandez in my favorite performances recap. I was sad to see him go before Top 10 - I wold have love to go see him on tour. I think he deserved to be in the Top 10.

David Hernandez - It’s All Coming Back to Me Now - Top 16

Friday, May 23, 2008

American Idol - Final Result Show

I apologize it took me so long to post about the Final Result Show. It's a 2 hour show! Makes it harder to recap, and besides, it's been a crazy media frenzy out there since the winner was crowned. And I didn't want to miss any of it!!! So here's my recap and thoughts on the final result show for Season 7...

I've posted some of my comments on the season HERE in my performance recap blog. Check it out!

Now onto the final results show of this American Idol Season 7!!!

97.5 millions votes were cast for this year's season final performance show. "A smashing record!", Ryan Seafoam says (you'll get the reference later). 56% of those votes went to one David, while the other one received the remaining 44%. The discrepancy? About 12 millions votes. That is NOT a close race. As Simon said the night before, this was a knockout. But which David got the win?

After a bit more blah blah with the judges, the show starts with the Top 12 singing "Get Ready", accompanied by the dancers of So You Think You Can Dance. They sound pretty good! And it's nice to see them all back on the stage. Poor Jason Castro (and apparently David Hernandez) got a bit too close to the pyros, and got a nice tan out of it...

Ai7 Season's Finale Part1
Uploaded by igrecman

As we come back from the break, we get a duet with our Top 2, David Archuleta and David Cook. They sing "Hero", from the Spiderman Soundtrack. And they sound AMAZING!!! The harmonizing really is beautiful. Cook, who apparently suggested this song after some other song they were suppose to do really didn't work, is a genius for having thought of that particular one. Archuleta sounds good and current on this song, which by all account should be better suited for Cook.

And now, make room for the Guru Pitka!!! The Guru of Love met up with the two Davids, who were treated to a private screening of the movie, Love Guru. Mike Myers is HILARIOUS, and I have to admit that the two Davids were pretty good "actors" as well. The "Guru Pitka" gives advice to the Top 2 - Cookie should shave and Archie should be careful not to go boom boom in his pull-up. The sideways look Archie gives Cook is so funny! The "shaving" scene is totally hilarious, I rewind it at least 10 times right there. Archie catching the shaving cream, dead pan... Too funny!!! Oh, and DO NOT miss Ryan Seafoam (get it now???) sitting on the Guru Pitka's "magic pillow". Oh dear!

Syesha Mercado sings "Waiting For You" with Seal!!! They did great.

Ai7 Season's Finale Part2
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And it's Jason Castro's turn to perform his beautiful rendition of "Halleluja". All by himself, Castro offers a great, heartfelt performance. He sounded even better than when he did it the first time. Great, great! He seemed nervous as hell tho - his mike was shaking in his hands...

The very last Ford Commercial "Let the Good Times Roll" comes right after Castro's performance. It's a collection of funny clips and bloopers from the whole season of filming those commercials. I really enjoyed them this year - they were mostly funny and cheesy to the max, but it was great to see the contestants get so much into them. I particularly liked the "Tainted Love" one, with Cookie has a hero-goth-vampire-like personage. "Ring of Fire" was so ridiculous because of the costumes (hello package!) that it was great. Fun times!!!

David and David get a Ford Escape Hybrid each. "You have your license?", asked Ryan to Archie.... *LOL*

The Top 6 girls perform hits by the Divine with Donna Summers! Amanda looks rough coming down the stairs - is she drunk? Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT miss Ryan Seafoam Seacrest fucking BREAK DANCING during this medley. Ho comes rolling around on the floor around 8:07 in the clip below. Moments like these is why I love this show so much!!!

Ai7 Season's Finale Part3
Uploaded by igrecman

Carly Smithson and Michael Johns perform The Letter together. This performance is HOT!!!!!! Those two are showing RIGHT THERE that they are hugely talented and were sent home way too early. Go Carly! Go Michael!

A little, not so funny appearance from Jimmy Kimmel later, our Top 6 guys perform with none other than Bryan Fucking Adams! I love me some Bryan Adams... Yes I do! The guys all sound great, especially Cook, who's right in his element with this medley.

Ai7 Season's Finale Part4
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OMG. I cannot fucking believe my eyes. Is that .... No, it can't be! Can it? Yes! Yes! It IS ZZ TOP playing "Sharp Dressed Man" with Cook as the front man!!! ZZ TOP on AI, OMG, the world has gone completely insane! Cook sounds AMAZING, totally looks the part, and even does that weird knee dance in the middle of the guitar solo. AWESOME! Oh, do I spy a Blake Lewis rocking out to ZZ Top and sporting a sharpie written "COOK" on his knuckles? Blakey, I love you, call me, 'kay?

Grant Nash and Brooke Whie perform next. It was cute. :)

Ai7 Season's Finale Part5 David Cook
Uploaded by igrecman

Oh dear lord. The Jonas Brothers perform next. Time for a pee break. Oh, and now they are showing the worst auditions of the season. Oh, and Renaldo "We're Brothers Forever" Lapuz is performing his song with a big band! *LMAO*!!!!!

Ai7 Season's Finale Part6
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One Republic now performs with David Archuleta their hit "Apologize". I love Ryan Tedder - what a talented guy. He's an amazing singer and song writer. He sounded a bit off in the beginning, but regained his footing later during the performance and sounded awesome. Archie sounded GREAT on the song. Whoever thought about that pairing is a GENIUS. All season long, one of the major critic about Archie was that he was not current -well this duet really proved otherwise. Archie sounded really, really, really great on this one.

The current American Idol Jordin Sparks comes on next singing "One Step at a Time". So cute to see Blake Lewis singing along to her song.

Ai7 Season's Finale Part7 Jordin Sparks David Archuleta
Uploaded by igrecman

Oh dear gawd in heaven. The weird hologram singing thing is back this year. This time it's Gladys Knight and the Pimps. And her "pimps" are Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. Ok, they are funny.

Singing "Last Name", here is Carrie Underwood. Damn that dress is short. But damn she's got legs.

Ai7 Season's Finale Part8
Uploaded by igrecman

The Top 12 perform together to hits from George Michael. Who gave David Hernandez the line "naked" in that medley? Too funny! I love me some DH! Check out the CFM stare that David Cook gives on Father Figure at the end "'til the end of time"... If you don't know what CFM means, you probably are not a real DC fan then! ;) George Michael performs "Praying For Time". Paula's crying.

Ai7 Season's Finale Part9
Uploaded by igrecman

And this is it!!!!

Archie looks awfully calm, which is ironic since he's been a nervous wreck all season long. David Cook, on the other hand, seems nervous has hell. The judges give some last comments:

Randy - Best Season, you two brought it, I'm so happy it's the two of you, strongest season, blah, blah, blah
Paula - you two are amazing, I'm honored, this is only the beginning, blah, blah, blah
Simon - Congratulations to both of you, it was a great night, after watching back I didn't think it was quite as clear cut as I called it, blah, blah, blah...

Wait a second.

WHAT?

Is Simon.... Backtracking? Back peddling?

WHAT?

Simon is APOLOGIZING to David Cook for having bashing him the night before? Verging on disrespectful?

WHAT???????????????

Fuck man, David Cook wins this. I now know he is winning this.

The envelop. Open the goddamn envelop Ryan Fucking Seafoam!!!!

Ai7 Season's Finale Part10
Uploaded by igrecman

And the confetti fall on David Cook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The newly crowned American Idol performs an emotional "The Time of My Life" with the rest of the Top 12 surrounding him. Yeah David Cook! I am so proud he's won. He deserved it!!!!

Looking back, it is easy to have 20/0 insight... But the clues were all over the finale that David Cook was going to win. From the Top 2 duet on "Hero" to the Top 6 medley with Bryan Adams, to FUCKING ZZ TOP playing with David Cook... This show was full of rock! Also, David Cook got to introduced both Bryan Adams and George Michael during the medleys. On the other hand... Archie got to perform with the more modern band, One Republic, and they did do the song "Heaven" during the Bryan Adams medley, which Archie KILLED on during the auditions. More over, Archie performed way later in the show, which led me to believe he was going to win...

Oh, who am I kidding, I was a nervous wreck by the end of the two hours, waiting to hear that DAVID COOK HAD WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Season 7............ David Cook........... Thanks for a great, great season!!!!!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

American Idol - Top 12 - Results

Elimination night went as follow:

Carly Smithson - Safe
Michael Johns - Safe
Jason Castro - Safe

Syesha Mercado - Bottom 3

Chikezie - Safe
Amanda Overmyer - Safe
David Cook - Safe

Kristy Lee Cook - Bottom 3

David Archuletta - Safe
Brooke White - Safe
Ramile Malubay - Safe

David Hernandez - Bottom 3

Each bottom 3 contestant sang their song after being announced they were in the bottom 3.

And after an hour of Ford video, group sing, phone calls from viewers, some none sense exchanged between Simon and Ryan... The eliminated contestant is announce...

David Hernandez is going home.

I am a bit disappointed that David went home tonight. I did not expect him to win the competition, but I thought he would make the Top 10. Certainly I thought he would leave after Kristy, Chikezie and perhaps even Syesha!

Next week will be Beatles week again?

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

American Idol - Top 12

Once again this week, I listened to the audio first, then I watched the performances.

I like the new stage! And I like they added a pit of sorts. Makes for a better "show" feel. I think this really helps the contestants - they all are use to performing live, having an audience in front of them. The big stage and the pit probably makes them feel more comfortable, more in their element, more like they are playing a show and not doing a television show.

Syesha Mercado - “Got To Get You Into My Life”

Ai7-Top12 Part 1 Syesha
Uploaded by igrecman

I didn't like this version at all. I guess Syesha's vocals were good, but she really didn't grab me with her singing. After watching the performance, she really didn't change my mind.

Chikezie - “She’s A Woman”

Ai7-Top12 Part 2 Chikezi Ramiele
Uploaded by igrecman

I bet the die hard Beatles fans will crucify him for this. But I liked it! It was very entertaining, original and totally out of his box. His voice was not as strong as it usually is, and I could have done without the high pitch scream at the end, but all in all, it was a really good performance. And I loved it even more after watching the performance! Loved how he started with some sort of blue grass band, then got up and turned it up. Really, really surprised with this performance, and I really, really, REALLY liked it! Gotta say, I LOVED his reaction to Simon's comment and how Ryan was all "fired up"! *LOL*

Ramiele Malubay - “In My Life”

Ai7-Top12 Part 2 Chikezi Ramiele
Uploaded by igrecman

Boooooooooooooooooooo-riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing... Pretty performance, good vocals, but zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.... The performance didn't change my mind in any way.

Jason Castro - “If I Fell”

Ai7-Top12 Part 3 Jason Castro
Uploaded by igrecman

Nice, very nice. He's got a good falsetto... A bit weak in places, but all in all, a very Jason Castro kind of performance, and good one at that. Visually, I liked that he played the guitar. I also love that when Simon said it was very student in a bedroom at midnight, Jason said it was very much what he is...

Carly Smithson - “Come Together”

Ai7-Top12 Part 4 Carly
Uploaded by igrecman

I liked it! I really enjoyed the bluesy twist she put on the song. Her voice sounded awesome, she really gave it all - glory notes, growls, soft vocals, screams... I really enjoyed it!!! Performance wise, I thought she did good, too. She looked more comfortable on the big stage, she seemed to have let loose much more than ever before.

David Cook - “Eleanor Rigby”

Ai7-Top12 Part 5
Uploaded by igrecman

One of my very favorite song from the Beatles. LOVE the piano at the beginning - haunting. Great vocals throughout. The guitar and percussions added a really dark twist to the song. And when he launches in the "Aaaaaaaaaa, look at all the lonely people"... WOW!!!!!!!!!! The scream at the end really was perrrrrrrrfect. After watching the performance... I loved it even more!!! I aboslutely adored that he didn't look in the camera but instead played it for the crowd there.

Brooke White - “Let It Be”

Ai7-Top12 Part 6
Uploaded by igrecman

Perfect song for her voice. Beautiful straight up arrangement with the piano and the strings. I like it when her voice cracks a bit... The background vocals were subtle and perfect this time. But performing this after David C made it a bit boring, which is too bad because it was really well done. After watching the performance, I kinda wish she didn't play the piano, but rather would have stood next to one.

David Hernandez - “I Saw Her Standing There”

Ai7-Top12 Part 7
Uploaded by igrecman

The vocals were good, but not up to par with what David has offered us so far. I enjoyed that he did an upbeat song, but I don't think this was a great choice for him. After watching the performance, I can't say it added much for me. I liked that he connected with the crowd, touched hands with people and all.

Amanda Overmyer - ”You Can’t Do That”

Ai7-Top12 Part 8
Uploaded by igrecman

I really like Amanda. Vocally, it was a bit shaky, but I could hear more confidence in her voice, especially as the song went on. I really liked the bridge and when she started scatting. Randy was right, the little southern rock twist on it really worked for her. Performance wise, I thought that was the best she has done so far. Amanda did look much more confident and comfortable on the big stage. I think it might have to do with the fact that she gets more of a "show" feel from the stage set up. She can play it up for the crowd, as opposed to the tv audience when performing on the small stage. I enjoyed watching that. A lot.

Michael Johns - “Across the Universe”

Ai7 Top12 Part 9 Kristy+Michael J
Uploaded by igrecman

Oh, love the vegemite shirt! *LOL* I really enjoyed Michael's voice tonight. The stripped down rendition of this song really suited him and allowed his voice to shine. The best he's done so far in the competition. His performance really showed how important this song is for him. The emotion was readable on his face, he was really into it. Really, really liked it! And I totally disagree with Randy and Simon - I enjoyed he didn't change the song up and that he sang it straight. He probably couldn't have connected as much with it if he had changed it up.

Kristy Lee Cook - “Eight Days a Week”

Ai7 Top12 Part 9 Kristy+Michael J
Uploaded by igrecman

Ain't got nothing good to say about this train wreck.

David Archuleta - “We Can Work it Out”

Ai7 Top12 Part10 David A.
Uploaded by igrecman

Oh wow... David's voice was pretty weak tonight. I could hear the stress in his voice without even watching him. And wow, he forgot the words to his song... Not good. The start of the song was especially shaky, and he never really was able to get into it and find his groove. The performance was not great either...

Best of the night: David C, Carly, Chikezie
Worst of the night: Kristy, David H, David A
Bottom 3: Kristy, David H, Syesha
Going home: Kristy

Friday, March 7, 2008

American Idol - Your Top 12

First row: Syesha Mercado, David Hernandez, Ramiele Malubay, Brooke White, David Archuleta

Second row: Amanda Overmyer, Jason Castro, David Cook, Chikezie, Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

American Idol Season 7 - Top 16 - Top 8 Guys

I did a little something different tonight - I listened to the audio only at rickey.org, and then watched the show on TV. It was very interesting to say the least. All the performances held up for me vocally tonight. Yeah, even Luke. His voice was a bit thin, but it still was good vocally. But it changed a bit for some when I watched the performances as well.

Luke Menard - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

While I thought the vocals were good, I was not wowed by Luke tonight. His voice was thin, His performance added a lot to the song, but all in all, it was not a great song for him.

David Archuleta - Another Day in Paradise

The vocals were great - love how he changed it up a bit. Performance wise? I liked him on the piano, tho his looking at the camera was a bit awkward. But other than that, the performance was pretty ordinary.

Danny Noriega - Tainted Love

I was worried he was going to butchered this song, but his vocals really held up on this one. I'm not a huge fan of his voice, but I thought the song was well suited for Danny's voice. But the performance ruined it all for me. The cheesy dance moves were awful, and the weird facial expressions... Yeah, not feeling it.

David Hernandez - It’s All Coming Back to Me Now

While I think David H lacks a little bit of depth to his voice to really, really, REALLY kill that song, I think he still did a really, really, REALLY great job with it. The vocals were superb, and so was his performance. He gave me chills. One of my favorite tonight.

Michael Johns - Don’t You Forget About Me

Michael is back! That was pretty good. I like his higher register - his lower tone is good, but a bit weak. Great song choice - that was totally him.

David Cook - Hello

First of all, when I heard David was going to sing "Hello", I was like WTF? I just couldn't imagine him singing that song. I LOVED it. Oh wow! Reminded me a bit of Lukas Rossi when he did "Living on a Prayer" on RockStar Supernova. I loved that David started out with the electric guitar, the band kicking up a bit after. I loved his interpretation of the song, the way he phrased it a bit differently, and the way he ended it. Very, VERY good!

Jason Castro - Hallelujah

Oh I love that song... I hated that Jason let the judges and their "no guitar next time" comments get to him. This song would have been perfect for him to perform with the guitar. I think he did a great job with it - the tempo was a bit fast, I felt it needed to be a bit slower for Jason to really get into the lyrics... And it was too bad about that last little bit, because his vocals were really good throughout. His performance, eyes closed and all, really added to it all. I really enjoyed Jason this week.

Chikezie - All the Man (woman) that I Need

While the vocals were good, this really didn't work for me. The change in lyrics didn't work, and I just plain dislike a man singing this song. I think Chikezie will be gone come Thursday.

Favs: David H, David C, Michael Johns, Jason C
Worst: Chikezie, Luke
Gone: Chikezie, Luke

Thursday, February 28, 2008

American Idol Season 7 - Top 20 - Results

Well, well, well...

Oh boy was the group sing cheesy and bad. Of all the good songs from that area to choose from, and they came up with that medley of songs??? [/sarcasm] Good news was, Michael sounded great and so did Amanda.

I was very surprised that Amanda was safe, and that Alexandrea was sent home. I like Amanda, and I am happy she is staying, but when I saw her up against Alexandrea, I really thought she was going. I am a bit disappointed to see Alexandrea go tho - she was spunky and fun and could really sing. She was different, but I guess she didn't have the chance to show how different and interesting she could be.

Very cute how David A. was crying, and she went to hug him at the end... Little romance brewing there? ;)

I was not surprised to see Jason Y. leave tonight. He does have a good voice (I like his tone very much), and his singing was way better tonight compare to Tuesday. But he really has to work on his stage presence, and on not to smile so much when he sings. I think he could do well, but he's got work to do.

Alaina vs Kady.... I really was expecting Kady to leave, and I think she did, too. Poor Alaina, she really was taking it hard. Ryan was sweet with her, and it was nice that all the girls were encouraging her to sing. I actually really liked her rendition tonight, she gave me chills. If all the contestants could sing like that - with raw emotions and like it is their last time on that stage - I can tell you we'd have many more great moments on that stage and on that show.

Aw, again, David A and Danny were crying for Alaina... So sweet.

Robbie vs Luke... I really didn't know who was going to leave. In my opinion, Luke sang the worse of the two last night. And he looks older than Robbie, so I thought that perhaps Luke would be the one to go. But it was Robbie. I guess the comments to him that he is not authentic and all that crap really took its toll. You could tell Robbie was annoyed when Simon mentioned it again. I'm glad Luke is staying tho, I like him and I think that if he chose the right song, he can really wow us.

So, it'll be a Beatles theme for the top 12. They also forgot to mention that Blake Lewis will be singing on the night of the top 12 results. He'll be performing his second single, How Many Words.

And the '80s await us next week...

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

American Idol Season 7 - Top 20 - Top 10 Guys

It was a very lukewarm kind of night. Only 3, maybe 4 standouts for me tonight - David Hernandez, Chikezie, David Cook and David Archuleta. Also, I thought the judges comment about song choices were a bit hypocritical. They know the contestants can only choose amongst a restricted number of songs. Yes, some song choices were bad, but for Simon to mention that they have thousands of songs from the '70s to choose from was misleading and hypocritical, in my opinion. Very unfair to the contestants.

Michael Johns - “You Can Go Your Own Way”

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by greateggs

Was he sick? He looked really tired to me. The song was way too high for him. He was struggling for the highest notes, and was flat throughout the song. No life, no oumph, no personality, really. I like him a lot, and hope he sticks around, but this was the second worst performance of the night.

Jason Castro - “I Just Want To Be Your Everything”

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by greateggs

While I thought he sang it well, it was again flat and without much life. I was upset about the judges harping on him for using the guitar again. So what if he used the guitar two weeks in a row? Who cares? If they are going to allow instruments, comments like those shouldn't be allowed to be made.

Luke Menard - “Killer Queen”

I like Luke and thinks he's got a good voice and some good performance skills in him. But it was no where to be found tonight. His performance came out way too theatrical, almost cheesy. His vocals, while good, were cringe worthy in places. Let's just say that after mentioning how perfect one has to be to perform in an a capella group, I was expecting better vocals than what we got.

Robbie Carrico - “Hot Blooded”

Ai7-Top20 Guys Part3
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Can they stop trying to pigeon-hole that guy into a genre? I seriously do not give a fuck if he is pop, rock, more pop than rock or more rock than pop. I don't give a flying fuck if he is believable as rocker or not. All I want from him is to wow me. He's got a good voice, a nice look, and decent stage presence. If he can just sing without trying to prove he is a real rocker, I am sure I'll enjoy him more. Tonight, his vocals were good, but nothing that wowed me.

Danny Noriega - “Superstar”

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by greateggs

Alright, the spoiled brat made me laugh tonight with his little clip at the beginning and with his interaction with Simon. The singing? Kinda meh. He was on pitch, but damn that was old fashioned! His vibrato was way too slow, and I just have a hard time believing anything that comes out of this guy's mouth when he sings. Better than last week, but that's not saying much...

David Hernandez - “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”

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by greateggs

First stand out of the night. Now that was good! I like David, and I am so glad him going first last week didn't result in his elimination. I love that he told us a story, love how he got into it and delivered a passionate performance. Love the little growls here and there... Very, very nice!

Jason Yeager - “Long Train Runnin"

Oh the judges were harsh on him. Unfortunately, I have to agree... Dude's gotta loose the perma grin! The dancing was not good, and the vocals were really average. It really sounded karaoke to me. I feel for him, but he's going to have to really bring a passionate performance if he wants to go further. That is, if he is staying this week. Weakest of the night.

Chikezie - “I Believe To My Soul”

Another stand out! The beginning was a bit weird, but then he got into the song, and it was GOOD! Soul, passion, fun, it was all in there. He's gotta be careful with the smiling too much tho. I LOVED how he talked back to Simon again, it was too funny!

David Cook - “All Right Now”

Davidc-022608
by greateggs

Scruffy chin, guitar strapped around his shoulder, David gave us a great performance. He does have a good rock voice. VERY comfortable on stage. But again, there's this little cocky attitude that I am not too fond of. Still, he did great, and was another stand out for me.

David Archuleta - “Imagine”

Davida-022608
by greateggs

And the American Idol Season 7 is....... David Archuleta!!! Seriously, he would make a great winner. The crowd was going CRAZY for him, wow! His vocals were spot on, very beautiful. I'm not too sure about the interpretation, but I still think his performance was great. Simple, with just the guitar and his voice. Gorgeous.

Best: David A, David H, David C, Chikezie
Worst: Jason Y, Michael Johns

Going home: Jason Y and Robbie

Thursday, February 21, 2008

American Idol Season 7 - Top 24 - Results

Well, I think who went home made sense tonight.

Garrett Haley was sent back home first.

Colton Berry was sent home at the end of the show.

I have to say I was expecting Jason Yaeger to leave, but I'm glad he didn't. I think once he's passed his initial oh-my-gosh-i'm-on-american-idol phase, he'll produce some good performances. I am also glad David Hernandez has not left. I was scared for him since he went first, but I'm glad he stuck around.

As for the girls.

Amy Davis was sent home first.

Joanne Borgella was also sent home.

I'm a bit sad to see Joanna leave, but it was to be expected. I like her, and thought she had great potential, but she really did produce a horrendous performance last night. I just hope she keeps singing, she's good at it. And yes, she's absolutely stunning. As for Amy leaving, I'm more than fine with that.

American Idol Season 7 - Top 24 - Top 12 Guys

And a new season is on its way!!! I have to say I am not too fond of the use of themes for the first two weeks of competition. This is when we get to know the contestants, know what their music is all about, what they would most likely sound like on their album. That's when many contestants show originality. That's what got us Blake Lewis' All Mixed Up by 311, or his take on Jamiroquai's Virtual Insanity. I think the use of themes for this week and next is actually a disadvantage for the contestants.

David Hernandez - “Midnight Hour”

Davidh-021908
by greateggs

Very disappointed he went first. Let's hope the curse of going first will be broken and that David will stick around a little longer. I really like his tone and when he goes into his falsetto. Not his best tonight - he was nervous as hell - but I still think he's got enormous potential. I really enjoyed the beginning of the song. But yes, Simon is right - David needs to loosen up a bit!

Chikezie Eze - “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday”

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by greateggs

While I appreciate Chikezie's tone, I didn't think neither is vocals nor his performance were up to par this night. The song and arrangement sounded very cruisehip, and, yes, I agree with Simon, it all sounded a bit (meaning a lot) cheesy. Not liking this.

David Cook - “Happy Together”

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by greateggs

I don't want to like this guy - his cocky attitude really turns me off. Yeah, yeah, I know, I love cocky guys. But I don't like him. But I like him. He's good! Very good. Great even. I really enjoyed his performance this night. It was fun, original, and the vocals were killer. He looks very, very comfortable up there. The beginning of the song was great, I liked that he changed it up. And the mike stand twirling/playing... Hum hum good.

Jason Yeager - “Moonriver”

AI7-Top24-Guys Part4
Uploaded by igrecman

Jason has a nice tone to his voice. But this night, he showed himself to be nothing more than a good karaoke singer. His performance was really poor - I understand the guy is happy to be there, but he lost his concentration, looking around the set, smiling widely. This does not make the performance believable. His vocals were good, very good, but the song choice couldn't have been more boring.

Robbie Carrico - “One is the Loneliest Number”

AI7-Top24-Guys Part5
Uploaded by igrecman

I like this guy's look. I like this guy's voice. Not sure he's a real rocker or a real pop singer, but who cares? I like him, whatever he is. Not sure the song choice was the best - it was different, that's for sure.

David Archuleta - “Shop Around”

Davida-021908
by greateggs

"Little" David. *L* I like his voice and his tone, very beautiful. He's got a very mature sound for a young guy. His song choice tonight was good. Not his best vocals, but he did good. He showed a different side to himself, and that was nice. He sounded a bit winded at the end - not sure if it was just the excitement or if it is due to the vocal cord problems he's had in the past. Nonetheless, I think he is a front runner, and rightfully so.

Danny Noriega - “Jailhouse Rock”

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by greateggs

Hum, not sure about this one. His over the top maneurisms bordering on soil-brat-like attitude really bug me. But he does have a good voice. Not sure about his song choice this night - if you are not Elvis, you need a much bigger voice than that to sing this song, or any Elvis song, really. Didn't like this one.

Luke Menard - “Everybody’s Talkin"

AI7-Top24-Guys Part7
Uploaded by igrecman

Hello cutie pie!!! Luke looks like a mix between Patrick Dempsey and Rock Voisine. YUM! His song choice was a bit strange, but not bad for him. I think he did a good job, but it was a bit forgettable. He doesn't seem to have a very big powerful voice, but I think that's ok. I think his voice would be very well suited for jazz, or a Robin Thicke kind of music. I hope he'll stick around, because I think he can offer a lot more than what he showed us this night.

Colton Berry - “Suspicious Minds”

AI7-Top24-Guys Part7
Uploaded by igrecman

Hum, not sure what to make of this one. Colton did sing the song well, but did he have to sing it with a big huge smile throughout? Not appropriate for that song. And again, to sing an Elvis song properly, one needs a big voice (in my mind anyway), and well, that is just not Colton. The "I'm so happy to be here" attitude is cute, but not what I want to see from a performer.

Garrett Haley - “Breaking up is Hard to Do”

AI7-Top24-Guys Part8
Uploaded by igrecman

Garret is so happy, so optimistic, seems like a real nice guy. But OMG, his song choice this night was atrocious. So old fashioned for him. His soft voice is dull... But when he powers it out a bit, it sounds good. But, hum, yeah, didn't get that performance. Like, at all.

Jason Castro - “Daydream”

AI7-Top24-Guys Part9
Uploaded by igrecman

Jason has the distinction to be the first to play an instrument on a performance show. He does seem to be very comfortable up there on the stage. He's got that surfer-peace-and-love-living-on-the-beach-playing-my-guitar kind of look and vibe, and it is really working for him. He's got a bit of an unusual voice, a great falsetto and a great attitude. I like him.

Micheal Johns - “Light My Fire”

AI7-Top24-Guys Part10
Uploaded by igrecman

One of my favorite. He's cute, he's got a great soulful, raspy voice, a great attitude and very good stage presence. I was a bit disappointed that he sang a song he did during Hollywood Week, but he still did a great job with it. Very much looking forward to hearing something else out of him tho.