Kim & Tiff are the Girls Talkin' Smack and this is our celebrity gossip blog.
American Idol 7 Top 4
Posted by Tiff on May 7th, 2008 filed in American Idol, TVAfter an odd season in terms of themes, tonight’s is one that has had potential to well, not be so bad. The remaining four contestants tackle songs from the rock ‘n roll hall of fame on this episode of ‘American Idol’ season 7.
Tiff: David Cook sang “Hungry Like the Wolf,” opening the show. He sped the song up a big and made it a little less “mellow rock.” I wasn’t crazy about what he did with the song actually, but it was a good performance. Not my favorite, but I liked it.
Kim: Out of 500 songs, why, why, WHY would he pick this?? This song is just too cheesy for him and it seemed like a forced fit. And he looked bored, appropriately, since he wasn’t the only one. Not a bad performance, just lacking spark.
Tiff: Then David Cook sang “Baba O’Reilly.” I really like this song, especially Ryan Star’s cover from ‘Rockstar: INXS.’ I really love the way David Cook started the song, and I could tell I would adore it right away. This is the David Cook I adore. But gosh, it seemed short, didn’t it?
Kim: INXS huh? Yeah when I think of this song, all I can remember is Ryan climbing on every prop of the Rockstar set and then being promptly booted from the competition. Let’s hope the song isn’t cursed! 
Anyways, that was a MILLION times better than his first performance. The song sounds better faster but at least he did something with it. And it did seem really short (not that I’m complaining).
But his clothes are really ugly tonight.
Tiff: Syesha Mercado sang “Proud Mary.” I think she sounded really good. She looked gorgeous as well. I also think she came across as more a performer tonight than just a singer, because she moved around the stage. She isn’t really Tina Turner, of course, but she did good.
Kim: I was really hoping she wouldn’t come out in a sparkly dress and dance around because I knew one of the judges would call it copy cat. But hey, at least she pulled it off! She was cute and spunky, and sang well at the same time. I think she showed a bit of star quality on this one.
Tiff: And then Syesha sang “A Change is Gonna Come.” This song has been popular on the show, especially in auditions. Some of you may remember it as Taylor Hicks’, the season five winner’s audition song. Once again, she looked really pretty. She sounded good too, but I thought there were a few parts that were a little nasal when she hit the higher notes. But she has a very pretty lower register. I liked how she did the song, and I thought it was sweet that she got so emotional about the judges’ comments.
Kim: Hmm, that’s interesting because all I hear is people raving about her higher register and not her lower at all. It’s been a LONG time coming but Syesha is finally standing out. I really hate that Randy had to rain on her parade after what was such a poignant moment for her. I thought she sounded fabulous and she did make moments of it her own. You can tell she really felt the song, and that’s what it’s all about!
Tiff: Next was Jason Castro with “I Shot the Sheriff.” His opening clip was hilarious. “It’s a song by Bob Marley. Go figure.” Then he had a ridiculous laugh. Amusing. I thought the performance was kind of lazy and unoriginal. But, he looked like he had fun. I laughed when Simon said “I don’t know what you’re thinking,” and Jason said, “I was thinking Bob Marley!” Haha. Wow.
Kim: Eh, I wanted to like this just in spite of Randy Crapson, but it was too weird. And he didn’t sound good at all. The performance had a cool vibe to it and I like that he found a way to have fun when the competition is more stressful than ever. The judges were a bit harsh, but he’s obviously out of his league at his point.
Tiff: Jason’s second song was “Mr. Tambourine Man.” I’ve loved this song since I was a little girl, so it’s always interesting to see/hear other people perform it. It actually was a much better performance and choice for Jason, in my opinion. But he forgot some of the lyrics, didn’t he? Or was he impersonating Bob Dylan? (Haha…lame, I know.) This was better, but probably not top four/three worthy.
Kim: I do think he was in the zone tonight, that certainly wasn’t the problem. And this performance was a lot better than his first. I don’t know, Jason seems like a really nice kid but I NEVER understood his popularity from the beginning and it’s kind of a shame that it took so long for most of America to come around.
Tiff: And David Archuleta chose “Stand by Me.” Poor David and his song choices…so predictable. He’s very old-fashioned, though he does have the voice for it. He sounded good. I didn’t really like the falsetto in the end, but it wasn’t bad. For someone so young, he’s really a great singer. Adorable.
Kim: LITTLE DAVID IS BACK IN THE GAME, YA’LL! I really questioned this song choice at first, but the arrangement was great and he finally did something “different” to catch our attention; that’s what he needs to keep doing if he wants to beat the evil David. And I LOVE how he threw some Sean Kingston in there!
Tiff: And then David sang “Love Me Tender.” Again with the old-fashioned song choices….anyway….Ah, this kid and his voice. You know, if this was 1950, he would be so popular…his look, his style, and his voice. He would have been perfect. Which makes me wonder, if he were to win, as adorable as he is, how in the world would he be marketed? While he has lots of young fans, modern mainstream pop doesn’t seem like the place…and he seems young for adult contemporary. Hmmm. He’s cute though, and a very good singer.
Kim: Big huge WOW at someone asking “how would he be marketed” in a Disney/Hannah Montana world! Is this a pop culture website or is it not? Back to David….he is precious! I can hear 9 year olds squeeling across the world.
Tiff’s Rank, Best to Worst
01. David Cook - “Baba O’Reilly”
02. David Archuleta - “Stand by Me”
03. David Archuleta - “Love Me Tender”
04. Syesha Mercado - “A Change is Gonna Come”
05. David Cook - “Hungry Like the Wolf”
06. Syesha Mercado - “Proud Mary”
07. Jason Castro - “Mr. Tambourine Man”
08. Jason Castro - “I Shot the Sheriff”
Likely Bottom Two: Jason Castro, maybe Syesha, or eeep…David Cook. (Sad.)
Who Should Go: Jason Castro
Who Will Go: Jason Castro
Kim’s Rank, Best to Worst
1. David A & Syesha (tied, can’t decide)
3. David C.
4. Jason
B2: JCast & Syesha
Should Go: Jason
Will Go: Jason (how many weeks have I been saying this?)
I don’t think there will be a top 4 shocker this time, and honestly I’ll feel SO sorry for Jason if there is. His fans should just let him go with the last shred of dignity he has. Tiff might be right about David C. being in the bottom 2 tomorrow though, and rightly o.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:51 am
OMG as much as I adore Jason Castro, he has just been downright awful the past few weeks (eliminating that performance with the miniature guitar). I would completely abandon my dinner tomorrow night if he stays.
Anyway, LOVE Archuleta! Tiff, I’m not at all surprised at your #1 but still, how could you put little Archie at second best??
Kim, Syesha’s good isn’t she? I just don’t see star power. Do you?
May 7th, 2008 at 5:25 am
ROFL. I said INXS. Wrong season, Tiff. Duh.
Hey Kai.
I was wondering what you thought of Jason tonight, LOL.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Yeah, I like Jason but tonight was awful. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him stick in for one more week, though. Syesha can do an amazing job and still be in the bottom two. Unfortunate.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:51 am
^If Jason stays that means DC goes. It can only be one or the other.
Kai! re: Syesha, I think she looked like a star tonight, but probably a broadway star more so than a mainstream one.
Haha Tiff, you didnt even watch RS:INXS did you?
May 7th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I honestly don’t think Jason Castro was as bad as everyone thinks he was! I love how he enjoyed himself and doesn’t let the judges remarks offend him! I thought he was good..
My bottom 2 tho is for sure including Jason Castro tho.. he’ll make a great album soon and knock everyones socks off!!
GO DAVID COOK!!!
May 7th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Wow! I can’t imagine that David Cook will be in the bottom two. No Way! I’ll be crushed if he is. I thought he did great on both songs but agree that his second choice was better than “Hungry Like a Wolf”. I think Syesha did a great job and I’m starting to like her a lot. I think Jason is adorable but don’t see how he’s managed to hang in there this long. Last night was terrible for him. David A. has an amazing voice, for a 17 old to choose the “BORING” songs that he sings is just too strange. I don’t get it. Whoever called him “old fashioned” is right on. That’s the best word I can think of to describe his song choices.
Best perfomer this week: David Cook, followed by Syesha.
Bottom two: Jason & David Arch (with Jason leaving)
May 7th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Last night really disappointed me - this season has been total dullsville.
I think that Jason is kind of done with the competition. Its like he knows that he won’t win and he just wants it to be over. I can’t say I blame him…. the producers clearly want a David v. David finale. But he’s gone after tonight.
I’m sorry but David A is ridiculously over hyped it makes me nauseous. Last year, the judges at least told Jordin that she needed to do something younger & more fun. NOT ONCE has the comment been given to David A. And, I so agree with you Tiff, he’s completely A.C. I don’t think that would work with the Hannah Montana fans of the world. I hope he’s the shocking elimination tonight because if I have to Randy Jackson drool over David A one more time….. Grrr.
Also, I think David Cook is totally safe. His fans will make sure there is not another Daughtry like shocker.
May 7th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Right on Krock! My sentiments exactly.
Rock on David Cook!
May 7th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
RUR ROH! Looks like the Crook fans are feeling a bit THREATENED by little Archie
Im seeing that all over the boards too; I don’t blame you guys though after last night!
But Krock, you do have a good point about Hannah Montana….because David C. is going to be the one singing with her when he wins!!! That’ll be great for a rockers credibility. Now where’s my popcorn?
May 7th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I am SO over David A. Who is going to buy his album? I’ve been puzzled by that since the show started. He can sing well. Make that VERY well, but so what? He is boring, boring, boring. His song choices are so dull. I can’t imagine his album would have anything other than more boring ballads on it. I just don’t think the marketability is there. And the young kids wouldn’t like that kind of an album either. Sure, he’s cute on stage, but take the visual away, and they’ll be as bored as I am.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I think Jason’s been checked out of the competition for at least a couple of weeks now. I love him, but this isn’t his cup of tea
I’d much rather see him go instead of seeing him get ripped apart by the judges (and my DAD!) another week, ha.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
^So true, most of his fans still want to try and keep him in. Doesnt make sense to me.
Leia - Uh, his fans genius. I swear some of you guys are so DENSE. Jordin was boring as heck on the show too; so was Carrie. Their records and image on the show =/= their songs and image off the show.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
To everyone who says David A. won’t be marketable/successful…take a good long look at Clay Aiken.
That’s all.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
i think it is jasons time to go…he was awful…but i bet all his fans will vote like crazy to keep him in and the one going home will be shyesha. DAVID and DAVID finale!!!! with archie winning!!!
May 7th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Carly, it’s nice to see someone w/ a brain on here! (it seems to be too much to ask from Cooktards)
May 8th, 2008 at 12:42 am
I do wonder how TPTB will market David A., but I have no doubt that they WILL be able to market him. They could even go with a young Josh Groban vibe (wow, I feel old typing “a young Josh Groban”), given that Archie plays piano. A year ago, I might have told you that radio wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole, but after the mega success of that crappy, boy-bandy Elliott Yamin song (and that’s no knock on Elliott, whom I adore, but that song? Sheesh.), I think ol’ Archie will be just fine. If the kid’s got any acting chops, it’ll work out even better for him and 19E.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Haha, no Kim, I didn’t watch RS: INXS, which makes what I said even more funny.
Carly - Clay had a good shot at AC and mainstream pop because of his age and who he generally appealed to…. David Archuleta tends to appeal to a lot of the tween crowd, and if his ‘Idol’ choices are any indication of his album would be, a bunch of ten year olds aren’t going to love it. He’s sugary sweet and adorable, and he sings very well, but unless he goes a Josh Groban direction, like Kat said, it might not work (as well as say, David Cook could be marketed. I mean, look what happened with Daughtry.)
May 8th, 2008 at 2:00 am
^DAUGHTRY sings pop music.
And trust me, David A has fans of ALL ages. Tweens, yes, but he also gets the grandma vote and also some of the middle aged housewife vote. Clay was never “marketed” and never had real AC airplay; he sold to his fanbase. Little David will probably be able to go platinum with his fanbase alone.
Kat - I would prefer they make him a young Josh Groban but I think they’ll try to make him the male Jordin. The latter will probably give him more success in the moment but no the long run.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Woah, I wasn’t trying to upset anyone. Really. I just don’t think his fans will last. I understand he has fans now, ’cause I’m a genius like that, but I don’t believe they will stick. And I didn’t think that Carrie or Jordan were boring on the show, I was entertained by them. I don’t really think he is the same as they are. I don’t feel that he is as versatile. But it is only my opinion. You don’t have to agree.
I am overall disappointed in this season. I too was a fan of Michael Johns. I was sorely sad to see him go. He is one who would have had good marketability.
May 8th, 2008 at 7:22 am
^I always think it’s always nice to be able to back things up with logic and common sense, opinion or not, that’s all