I loved David Cook’s performance and Jason did a really nice job. Loved his lead off for the Group Performance tonight!

Just goes to show to what depths some segments of our society has sunk.

Desperate times call for desperate measures and some people are so desperate in their attempt to discredit David C’s talent that they would actually consider to publicly state that his gravelly ill’s brother’s attendance at the performance is a publicity stunt?

Woah! Color me shocked and disgusted.

Anita

Nice and Wonderful Article. Keep it up,ya! I like David Archuletta, the others do not have the whole package. You go, David!

Arrica Lee
http://www.mochaquest.com

MCL, I wish you were there to help Jason achieve the goals you have set for him. LOL! This young man has that ‘IT Factor’ and is very popular. Here is something I found most interesting (from AI forum).

Most significant is that Jason Castro has bumped the sales of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Over the Rainbow” to #7 on the iTunes Top 20. Just like he did with Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah”. Jason Castro is the ONLY Idol this year who has bumped another artist’s single to the iTunes Top of 10. Unfortunately, both artists are deceased.

This is from 4/10/08 so the standings may be different. Jason is an undiscovered talent and I appreciate the Folkie/Folk Rock genre. I hope he is around several more weeks so he will have the opportunity to work with Neil Diamond!

MCL, I love reading your comments and analysis of each performance and group song. Thank you so much!

I will have to check Kristy Lee’s chin – but, you are correct – I can somehow picture it now. Thanks for jogging my brain and you are quite correct that the chin should be level.

It actually causes tension in the neck muscles if elevated and, also, we lose the full projection of her voice because her mouth is tilted upward.

I will have to check the mike technique for Jason and Kristy – but, I have seen many singers sing this way and I do not like it at all. Carrie Underwood does it all the time – clutches the mike and blocks her face.

I think it’s a security blanket for some singers, rather than a means to gently project the voice over the orchestra.

Welcome back and have a good rest tonight.

I have no doubt that both record especially well and I fully understand that Jason’s relaxed demeanor is a throwback to the “folk song” era of my generation. I can see where, in terms of marketing, he would have enormous appeal.

That being said, I wish he had the time to improve his vocal skills, if for no other reason than to preserve the longevity of his voice. He has a light vocal instrument and without technique he will be very limited in his choice of repertoire.

Thank you for your wonderful comments on each of the singers and your kind feedback. It is very much appreciated, Terry!:)

I did not love Jason and his ukelele. Iz’ version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” seems so poignant but Jason just seemed too laid-back. He prefaces a lot of his words with an audible “h” sound and take too many breaths. His breathing patterns interfere with the interp of all his songs.

Gad, I’m cranky today, aren’t I? Could it have anything to do with waiting in the airport for hours for my delayed flight? Ah well, I think I’m just suffering from “Idol fatigue” this week. As you mentioned, MCL, I think the idols themselves are a bit worn out from all of the activities.

David Cook’s recorded version of Innocent is really excellent as well. Any problems he may have had in the live performance are not evident at all in the recording. He is going to be just fine, and will have a great career ahead of him!

I am surprised and pleased by Kristy Lee’s growth over the weeks. She is working and it really shows. I adore Brooke, Carly, and David Archuleta. I think that Syesha is an amazing singer and wonder sometimes why the judges pick on her so – they seem to forget that THEY are the ones who chose these kids to begin with!

And I am really going to miss Michael, who really was great. I am hopeful that he will, like so many others who were booted off before their time, gain a recording contract.
I’m actually willing to bet that most of the contestants left will have a career of some sort in the music business after Idol This is the first season since season 2 that I’ve been this excited about the show – I’ll probably even go see the tour this summer!
Every singer left is talented which hasn’t always been the case in seasons past.

Your website and comments are always wonderful, MCL, and I watch for your column each week with interest and anticipation. Thanks for all your insights!
Terry

In particular…

Michael Johns was better than the judges would have us believe.

I just don’t think Jason Castro has the singing ability, although he has charisma

Little David was in good voice as usual, but the edge was missing from that performance.

Syesha was better than the judges would have us believe, but i think her problem is not being current.

David Cook is definitely looking beat up. But, as you mention, even on a bad night he exudes superstar. I’m sure he’ll bounce back.

Let’s hope and pray that his brother’s cancer diagnosis responds positively to treatment. I suspect that is at the core of David C’s personal health problems.