Comments on: American Idol Season 7 Top 2 Vocal Masterclass: David Cook, American Idol and David Archuleta,Runner-up

By: » A look back: David Archuleta’s Top 2 performance critiqued by MCL

» A look back: David Archuleta’s Top 2 performance critiqued by MCL — Sun, 22 May 2011 02:32:50 +0000

[...] you for this. Oftentimes, in today’s pop music, the lyrics get left behind. What a shame!Please click here, to read the rest. Also, check out her entire May 2008, posts here. Posted by janey at 9:32 pmLeave [...]

By: erin920

erin920 — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:30:56 +0000

I am so happy he signed to Jive…they know how to promote their artists very well. David A. is just one of those rare talents…to me, he is more unique than Cook, not to mention a much better singer.

By: masterclasslady

masterclasslady — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:00:03 +0000

Thank you Kariann. Yes, I agree – Randy was really generous with his comments after David A.’s performances.

I’ve never seen him like that and I was often wondering if he was, perhaps, flattering him in an effort to woo him into collaborating on a CD with him. Just a fleeting thought at the time, because he has since signed with JIVE in a big way.

By: kariann1

kariann1 — Tue, 27 May 2008 03:56:22 +0000

Oh my goodness! Please forgive my errors in the above post.

By: kariann1

kariann1 — Tue, 27 May 2008 03:54:43 +0000

MCL, I went back to read what you wrote when David C. sang ‘Hello’ and found Kelsey’s post quite interesting.

“I feel badly for David Archuleta in a way. I’m sick of all the hype about him, but that’s not his fault, you know? He’s not doing anything differently than anyone else is – the judges just happen to be heaping the praise on him, and the media decided to pick it up.”

Kelsey opinion is reflective of what ended up happening right to the end. Seeing Randy’s jump out of his his seat after David’s last performance made me feel uncomfortable. Why continue with that kind of pressure on David A.? There were weeks when he just with overboard with the praise.

MCL, that column proves you know your business! Brava!

By: chaqueminute

chaqueminute — Sun, 25 May 2008 07:03:42 +0000

MCL,
I have a question that I have been meaning to ask for years now and I’m sure you probably already covered it – but the issue of the “upper register” and “lower register” still escape me. Is there an easy way to explain it? I don’t think it is just high notes and low notes.
As for the Davids-I’ve never seen so much graciousness on stage before. Watching them after the show ended has been more pleasurable to me than during the season. I would be proud to be the mother of either of these young men. David Cook was incredible gracious and inclusive to Lil David and Lil David returned the graciousness. Watching their exit interviews has been a lot of fun. David Cook is incredibly articulate and humble. Archie is sweet and will get better at interviews as he gets older. He has trouble completing his thoughts without giggling but that will come with time. I was amazed Larry King got DC to talk about his brother. That was a first. He is a fighter and I hope he can contine. Ten years with a brain tumor is a long time. I’m happy that Adam got to see his little brother on the stage. That, I’m sure, was a gift to him. David Cooks emblazoning his brother’s initials on his guitar, his jacket, and a tatoo on his arm show me what a caring and loving brother he is. Also, the orange bracelets he wears for Lily Rose and another little girl, I think her name is Bailey show again how caring he is. I hope he never changes. He is a wonderful role model and someone for Lil David to look up to. There really seems to be a bond between them and I hope that it continues throughout the tour and beyond. Lil David will only get better as he gets older and has more life experience and the tour will give him an opportunity to stetch and to grow. I was a David Cook fan since he sang Hello and showed what an incredible, magnetic artist he is. Now, watching the both of them interact with such grace, poise, dignity, and caring makes me now want to purchase both of their cd’s. It’s funny to say because I don’t personally know either of them, but they both make me proud with their actions. Congratulations Davids. I look forward to watching your post idol journeys.

By: rereader

rereader — Sun, 25 May 2008 04:09:23 +0000

Just wanted to add–if anyone missed it, the interview is up on http://mjsbigblog.com/ in several segments.

By: rereader

rereader — Sun, 25 May 2008 04:08:33 +0000

That Larry King interview was great–at least, the top 10 were great! (Larry King appeared to never have actually watched the show.) I loved how they seemed to, by and large, like each other so much. David Cook, especially, seems (charmingly) to have taken on the Daddy role, jumping in whenever he thought someone needed defending or help.

By: masterclasslady

masterclasslady — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:56:51 +0000

Oh, I missed that “Freedom” number – I heard it, but was away from the TV. I will have to check it out on the internet. Maybe, David A was just tired? He was really giddy last night. He did well in the interview though, as did David Cook and the rest.

By: kariann1

kariann1 — Sat, 24 May 2008 10:17:48 +0000

As always, we learn from your articles, MCL. Thank you so much!

Did anyone noticed that David A. didn’t connect with the brief singing of “Freedom” and Larry King asked him to join in? I was wondering what happened? Was it because he was laughing? He is adorable but I was a little disappointed.

By: katherinesmom

katherinesmom — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:12:40 +0000

I agree that both Davids were stellar! I was pulling for David A. to win but I think with a little more life experience, he will be a star. David C. is already there as he exhibited a more mature approach to his music. Don’t get me wrong- Arch is astoundingly mature in his vocal timbre. I’m talking about the emotional experiences which allows an artist to bring more to his interpretations. Bravo to both Davids! I can’t wait to hear their CDs.

Ok, just a minor nitpick with both: David A. must work on his physical performance aka “the Archuleta hand” . (Arch called said that himself in an interview, lol!)

David C.: MCL, I can’t believe that scrunching up his eyes when he goes for big notes is good technique. I got tired of seeing picture after picture of him with his eyes tightly shut and his mouth wide open (sometimes in a round shape, sometimes not). Maybe he thinks it makes him look “angsty” and “rocker”?

Enough with that- this season left me emotionally drained. The internet can be a pretty rough world to navigate. Next time, I’m only coming to this site! Brava to you, MCL, for balanced criticism that remained consistently and constantly positive.

By: masterclasslady

masterclasslady — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:38:33 +0000

You are most welcome Bizzee. And I will be purchasing both Davids’ CDs as well.

Let’s hope that Season 8 can capture the heartfelt emotion and superb artistry of Season 7. Tough act to follow!

By: bizzee24

bizzee24 — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:36:50 +0000

it did it again…my comment is lost I will try again later.

By: bizzee24

bizzee24 — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:35:36 +0000

Thanks, MCL, for another great review!

I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s idol and am already looking forward to next years! I look forward to purchasing both David’s CDs as they both will be great!!

Just to add a little humour to here…my friend sent me this link. It was a commerical that aired in the US, but not in Canada:

By: masterclasslady

masterclasslady — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:52:02 +0000

Good morning everyone!

As always, thanks for your generous comments. Always very much appreciated!

I can’t wait to see the Idols on Larry King tonight. Also, David A. signed with Jive. Good for him.

I will have to watch Cookie on Leno tonight on the Star channel. It is a rerun of last night’s episode. I’ll check to see what MJ has on her blog – it’s probably there, right?

By: cersei

cersei — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:53:01 +0000

MCL:

I forgot to add in my last comment that “in This Moment” needs someone with perfect pitch and heartfelt interpretation to sell the song. Archuleta did that and more imo

By: kathylmh

kathylmh — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:15:14 +0000

MasterClassLady,
Your critique of Archuleta brought me to tears. Again. Although I was saddened by the results on Wednesday night, I quickly found a peace after watching David Archuleta’s response to his friend’s success. I do think David Cook deserved the win, and he’s handled the interview circuit with charm and panache. I am impressed.

Of course, I am equally impressed with David Archuleta, who has shown in his unwavering grace (and endearing innocence) that he is a rare person. Perhaps this is why so many critics have misunderstood him. And perhaps this is why I am beginning to be glad that he took ‘second’. Perhaps the media will be more forgiving of a young man who doesn’t ‘mesh’ with the popular view of the world. Over time, he will only rise. I will be his fan forever.

Thank you so much for helping me understand why it is that I’ve become a 48-year-old fangirl for David Archuleta. Yes, he is as cute as all get-out, but I knew there had to be more to my fascination. LOL.

By: cersei

cersei — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:42:36 +0000

MCL: I’ve been lurking here for the past 3 months reading your wonderful reviews. Thank you so much. You’d be the perfect judge on the show! Anyway, David A’s top 2 performances compelled me to register and join in the discussion.

You wrote:
“Also, the depth of your breath control was staggering. You effortlessly connected that Perfect 5th interval jump on the word “I” with strong diaphragmatic
support and carried some remarkably long phrases through in one breath.”

I noticed that as wel, beautiful. David A totally sold the song to me. Sincere, heartfelt interpretation is what makes him special, very rare for someone so young. And, he sounds even more amazing live.

I’m very excited about his upcoming album. I know for a fact that someone big in the music industry has written a song specifically for him.

By: janey79

janey79 — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:50:58 +0000

*sorry for the misspelling of “site”
J.

By: janey79

janey79 — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:48:52 +0000

MCL, What a wonderful critique. I also thought David A. gave stellar performances Tuesday evening. I believe they will go down in as some of the best in Idol history. He may have a few critics (hard to believe) going in but won them all over by evening’s end.

Can you speculate on what type of material he should have on his first CD? I loved his performance with One Republic and thought that was a good, current vibe for him.

Thank you, MCL. This was such an educational and thoughtful sight. I really appreciated your energy and compassion for all the contestants. Bravo to you, too.