Don’t worry about the article, just please take care of yourself. Not that we don’t love to read your analyses because of course we do, but first things first!

I’m just so sick and tired of all these attempts at vote manipulation. Not only does it insult the audience, but, first and foremost, it does so much damage to these young people, who have done nothing to deserve it. With these blatant attempts at getting the winner they want, I shudder to think what the judge and producer choices for the “unchosen” two of the final three are going to be.

And there’s no need for any of it, really. Syesha, as you said above, is going to have a wonderful career–since she has said she is more comfortable singing as someone else, she has a great shot at succeeding as a Broadway/film star. That would make my only negative about her–that I don’t feel a connection to her when she sings–a big positive; when an actress sings in a role, you want to connect not to the actress but to the character! But that’s also why I don’t see her winning this thing–because as well as she sings, she’s usually at a slight remove from the viewing audience, and let’s face it, people don’t power-vote for a single great performance, they power-vote for the singer for whom they feel an emotional connection of some sort, and power-voting is what gets a contestant to the final 2.

Like you, I see a lot of potential in Jason (particularly as a recording artist)–he has the raw talent in both voice and musicianship, and to me it seems as though he’s showing some growth already. I went back and listened to his performances in order, and to me it sounds like his voice is getting stronger. He certainly has gained more control over it–in the earlier songs his voice slides around a good bit (sorry, I don’t know the proper term!) and he was apt to hit false notes; in the later performances it’s much less common. I think he really needs a chance to get some good vocal training and to work on technique without all of America watching him so that he won’t be afraid to try out new things. But although he’s my personal favorite, I never thought he’d get farther than fourth or fifth (or, barely possibly, third), and I think if the producers had just left things alone that is where he would have ended up naturally. He’s the one I’m most afraid for, should he make the final 3–all of the other remaining finalists are far better capable of coping with a malicious song choice or two. (Which is one reason why you need to get yourself some solid technique, Jason!)

That leaves the two Davids, who I think would have ended up as the top two without any of these machinations. Both of them, I think, can do very well in big arena-type settings, which is what the producers always seem to want, so I’m kind of surprised they are being so blatant.

David A. caught my attention in the audition rounds with that pure, sweet tone of his, and he was one of my favorites through “Imagine.” His losing some of his luster for me has really nothing to do with him personally (he seems a sweetie), and nothing to do with either his voice or vocal skills (formidable, especially at his age). First, he seems to be getting more and more tense (no big surprise there), and I worry for him, he’s so young and seems even younger than his age. Second, I would just really like him to sing a song unembellished once in a while. Or at least, to change up the type of embellishment he uses. So my problem is really with whomever is doing his arrangements (and it may be that that’s all his father, but he is the one singing them).

I think that originally the producers were aiming for a David A. win, but then David C. started popping up with masterful performances, and they decided they have a shot at getting some of that Daughtry success that slipped through their fingers–particularly since David C. is, to my ear, far more musically talented. I don’t like his favored type of music, so I likely wouldn’t buy his album, but that says nothing about his ability to succeed in his chosen musical genre, and I think he will succeed–he’s already gotten enough exposure to achieve that without 19E. (Which is of course what they are afraid of.)

Goodness, this has turned into a long post! I hope it makes sense…

Thanks again

I am not able to write a Masterclass article this week because I have been sick with the flu, so I apologize for this.

But, yes, I was confused about Paula’s comments as well and, quite frankly, I think the scales are being tipped for a David Cook win. Her comments to David A reflect this.

I am sure there is a great deal of banter between the producers and judges and the outcome of this banter is reflected in judging comments that have little or nothing to do with the actual performance.

Watch carefully next week. It will be pretty apparent who the actual chosen one is - it has been thus so every year without fail.

Thanks for stopping by.

I saw Simon on an a talk show interview where he was asked if the judges saw the performances for the first time on the night of the show. He said that they always watch the dress rehersals from a live feed in their trailors. I think that explains what happened. Paula watched dress rehersal, wrote her comments to be delivered at the end of both performances as planned. Then when Ryan slipped her a curve and told the judges they were to critique the first half of the show she just read from her notes. Pitiful Paula. I felt horrible for Jason (as most of America did). I completely agree that she should have apologized last night. I was also shocked by her critique of David Archuleta last night and wondered what performance she was critiquing. When I watched his first performance Tuesday I noted how much he smiled and moved across the stage. He seemed so upbeat, happy and confident… and that smile at the end sealed the deal. I was worried about how he would perform after Simon said his performance was ameraturish because he seems to take everything to heart. He came back strong with America and still seemed to be having a great time. I was happy for David beacuse he has been criticized for doing so many slow ballads and being a one trick pony. I was glad to see that he changed things up. I cannot critique his vocals, but I thought his stage presence was great! To hear Paula say that he needed to look like he was having a good time…. what does she want? Am I wrong or what did I miss?

Syesha truly has a career on Broadway, in the movies, modeling, commercials, etc.

Now please hurry up and get well. Please!

Jason and Brooke! I did like “Forever in Blue Jeans” better than “Sept. Morn” but both songs lacked energy. Brooke’s faulty breath support really shows in uptempo songs and she really has quite the vibrato (I think it’s really tremolo as it was wonky fast!). She still is doing that “fall off” thing at the end of each phrase. I think she would be better served to develop enough stamina to string more phrases together. Probably too late in the game for that now, alas.

Davids- Cookie sounded a bit airy in the first, then had that “nasal” tone in the second song. I liked his enunciation last week in “Music of the Night” as he tends to slur his words, making it really hard for me to understand the lyrics. I also wish he would connect with the studio audience more as I feel like all his energy is going to smoldering looks into the camera. I think we really know who spent the week looking in the mirror while singing into the hairbrush, don’t we . (MCL, last night, David C. asked Ryan how he prepared for this week’s show, and Ryan gave that answer. Not very funny. )

David A.- I still like his voice but still not lovin’ his song selection. I know he must be getting advice from his dad and his vocal coach but it might serve Arch better to go with songs that he really feels like he can sink his teeth into.

I too, would like to thank you, MCL, and the other posters here for the sensible discussions about AI. Try to get better soon!

The singer that was extremely disappointing to me last night was Brooke. She tried to hold it together, but I think she has reached her limit, quite frankly.

With Jason, I see true possibility for growth. He just needs a strong and determined mentor.

Syesha will have a wonderful career beyond Idol. Beautiful face and equally beautiful voice and style.

The Davids - impeccable, just didn’t have a strong night, although I did love David A.’s classically pure approach to “America”

I still feel sadness towards the events involving Jason. I still can’t believe they left him all alone during the commercial break after Paula’s critique of his second song. And why did all the contestants and judges leave with Jason just sitting there on the stool. I wish someone would have spoke with him about what just happened.

I think Brooke goes home.

I have to say that I enjoyed David Archuleta’s performances yesterday. He chose to do two upbeat songs that showed a different side of him. He infused each song with his own interpretation. David’s ability to connect with the audience, both live and at home cannot be underestimated. He deserves to win this not only because of his talent (being called a prodigy by many, including Neil Diamond) but because he is truly a wonderful, kind, humble human being. He is the perfect role model in today’s troubled world of Lindsay Lohans and Brittney Spears. I look at him and see hope for the future. I know in the end this is just a reality show but David has touched my life….and I know I’m not the only one.