Author: Mike Farley (Page 85 of 117)

You have to think the producers of “American Idol” breathed a sigh of relief last night, as the expected finale of David Cook vs. David Archuleta was confirmed. Syesha is great and has come on strong the last few weeks, but she wasn’t really going to win it all. And now we’ve got a battle that really is more Goliath vs. Goliath than David vs. David. I haven’t seen any vote totals, but I have to believe these two have consistently been at the top each week, well ahead of the field. Also keep in mind that neither of them have ever been close to elimination. What we have here is a battle akin to Celtics/Lakers, Yankees/Red Sox, Steelers/Cowboys…yes, this is going to be a battle for the ages.

The only thing to take some of the lustre off……is the fact that these two Davids appear to be really nice guys. The X factor in that is young David’s dad, who was kicked out of the backstage area last week. Think about that. Ol’ Dad must really be an ass for that to happen.

Anyway, last night they began the ridiculous hour long show with the remaining three performing the disco classic, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.” B-L-E-C-H.

Then Season 3 champ Fantasia performed her song, “Bore Me,” which was anything but boring. I mean, this girl can sing, and reminded us all of why she won. She did, however, put the fear of God in Simon Cowell with her stomping around…yeah, it was a bit over the top. Also, I am quite sure I saw the butt crack of one of her backup dancers, whose dresses were so skimpy they shouldn’t have even bothered wearing anything. This is a family show, people!

Anyway, each contestant went home last Friday to perform and do various TV and radio interviews, and each of them was awed by the reaction and love from hometown fans. Imagine that…you leave home pretty much an average Joe, and return there to throngs of screaming fans…no wonder each of them started crying at one point. David Cook even got to throw out the first pitch at a Royals’ game.

The most remarkable thing is something I didn’t even realize and I’m sure most of you didn’t either…David Cook did not plan to audition for the show in the first place. He was just along for the ride as his brother Andrew auditioned in Omaha, and some producers coaxed him into it. For that alone, I have faith that, despite the awful song choices they made on Tuesday for the performers, the producers of the show might know something after all.

Anyway, the three of them stood on stage at the end and David Archuleta was the first finalist announced. Down to Syesha and David Cook. I was afraid, really afraid, that Ryan Seacrest was going to utter “Syesha,” but instead it was Mr. Cook. Folks, ignore the fact that these two Davids are going to be humble as always next week….both of them are fierce competitors and want to win badly. It should be an epic battle, maybe one of the best finales the show has ever offered.

Yes, in the words of Dallas wide receiver Terrell Owens, “Get your popcorn ready!”

So last night on “American Idol,” the remaining three contestants had to sing three times. One song they chose, one song chosen by a judge, and one song chosen by the show’s producers. Yeah, next year I want a shot at choosing one, because I know I could do a better job than those producers, who probably spend time in their cars listening to commercial radio. In fact, I’m going to give you what I would have chosen for each contestant.

Anyway, to me, it’s looking like David vs. David is going to happen. But they still have to count the votes, so you never know. Here is the scoop…..

DAVID ARCHULETA

David started with Paula’s choice, Billy Joel’s “And So it Goes.” Kudos, Paula, I thought Continue reading »

Three left standing on “American Idol.” Yep, it’s been a blazing trip, hasn’t it? Still, David Cook and David Archuleta have been earmarked for the finals for a while. I think, though, that there have been more than a few surprises along the way. They do, however, continue to make the results show an agonizing hour long. With that, let’s talk about last night..

The four remaining contestants did a group rendition of Steely Dan’s “Reelin’ In The Years,” which happens to be one of my favorite songs from my childhood. Well, not anymore after seeing that butcher job!

On to business. David Archuleta, safe. David Cook, safe. Damn, it’s too early in the show.

Then a bunch of phone calls, including a hilarious one from a 24-year-old single woman from Pittsburgh who asked David Cook on a date. Talk about being put on the spot…..she said “I see your tour comes through Pittsburgh in July…I will pick you up, show you around the city and take you out to dinner.” What could dude say, besides “I’ll have to see.” Oh, and another note to David….once you hit the outside world again, you’re going to get a lot of that, so enjoy it!

Then Maroon 5 performed, and though I do like this band a lot, they look really tired, and they are about to hit the road again for a global summer tour. After that, Bo Bice took the stage, singing his new single, “Witness.” This dude has some great pipes and is a throwback to good old Southern rock.
Anyway, I can’t look at Bo and not think he was robbed in Season 4. Remember, he finished second to Carrie Underwood. But, as I told Mrs. Mike last night, Bo probably would never have sold as many albums as Carrie has, so what do I know?

So down to Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro. Really now, did they even need to count the votes?
Jason, you are going home, and it’s really amazing that you made it this far.

So here we are, two weeks away from the finale. It should be David vs. David, but I’m still a bit terrified. Terrified that my boy David Cook is going to be toast next week, setting the stage for a lopsided finale of Syesha vs. young David. Hey, if Melinda Doolittle can be sent home before the finale, so can Mr. Cook, though he’s got the best voice and best future of anyone remaining.

Oh, and side note on David A….dude needs some interview coaching, because he just smiles and giggles at every question. Remember that buzzard that Bugs Bunny tormented, the one with the goofy laugh (“Oh, nope, nope , nope, nope…”)….you know the one, right? That’s who David Archuleta reminds me of when he speaks.

So, as we get closer to the finale, here are my power rankings

1. David Cook
2. David Archuleta
3. Syesha Mercado

If David Cook brings his A game next week, I’ll feel better..but I have a feeling all of them will sense the urgency of the impending finale. See you all next Wednesday, and remember, it’s free to leave a comment!