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By Katie Moore
from WillametteLive, Section Screen
Posted on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 10:30:09 PM PDT
Tonight's American Idol episode took on a new format. Not surprisingly the new format stymied poor Paula. That's not the only reason to do away with it. It also made the show feel rushed and it lacked momentum. Since the Idols are now singing two songs, during the first round the judges don't comment at all. When everyone finishes round one, the judges are supposed to comment on everyone all at once. Simon was able to sum it up well: The first round basically sucked. Some were better than others, to be sure, but all were sub par. And Paula? Well Paula was only able to comment on one contestant during the first round. Inexplicably after critiquing Jason Castro's first song, she launched into critiquing his second song ... which he hadn't sung yet. Wow. I thought it was only big words that confused Paula this much. The second round was, thankfully, somewhat better. And back to the old format so that Paula could keep up.
Jason Castro ("Forever in Blue Jeans" and "September Morn") Jason lacked the soul that makes his singing so unique. We miss his island-rock-Jack Johnson style that he teases us with every couple of weeks. He may be in the Bottom Two tomorrow, but my bet is he sticks around for another week, just because he's so cute.
David Cook ("I'm Alive" and "All I Really Need is You") Thank god for David Cook. Even on his off nights he's still ten times better than any of the other contestants. David took two lesser-known songs by Neil Diamond and made them gritty, alternative and young, which is what he does best. His first performance, although decent, paled in comparison to his second.
Brooke White ("I'm A Believer" and "I Am ... I said") Brooke is such a train wreck. Even though half her performances are terrible, even though she forgets her lyrics and has to start over, even though she is strangely reminiscent of a shaky Chihuahua, she still STILL takes it upon herself to act like the leader of the group. I wonder how many of the other Idols want to muzzle her so they don't have to put up with anymore of her sanctimonious, self-righteous prattle. I'm sure Simon does. Both of Brooke's songs were bad. The first one, though, made me realize what Brooke's calling in life is: singing at children's birthday parties. The second one passed by the judges okay, but I'm betting most people at home were just as bored as me.
David Archuleta ("Sweet Caroline" and "America") David reminded us of his strength as a singer again. Unfortunately, he's starting to sound repetitious again. C'mon David, bust out some disco. Do something different.
Syesha Mercado ("Hello Again" and "Thank the Lord for the Night Time") Syesha experimented with her new-found personality tonight, and while it wasn't a complete disaster, it definitely didn't stack up to last week's show. This week she'll probably be voted off and then she can go to Broadway and enjoy a lovely career.
My official prediction for tomorrow is that Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado are in the Bottom Two and Syesha goes home.
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