Reality Roll Call

(press release)

by Lakiya Emerson

With seven couples remaining, the judges aren’t as forgiving of dancer’s ability (or inability) to capture styles outside of their own. The judges have hit the sonic overdrive button on their expectations. Tabitha and Napoleon D’Umo serve as guest judges tonight along with Simon Cowell. Simon was not actually on the panel, but Nigel was seriously channeling his musical partner’s surly snarkiness as he told more than one dancer that they needed to step up their game. There’s no opening choreography as each couple must dance two routines.

by Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight’s season finale is chock full of live performances by the likes of such superstars as, Donna Summer, George Michael, Idol alumni Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Jordin Sparks, and much, much more!

We begin with a performance by the final 12 paired with the dancers from Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” They sing “Get Ready”, by The Temptations. Then the two Davids sing a duet of some song that I don’t know but it’ so obvious that Cook is definitely a cut above Archuleta. His voice is gritty and soulful and he reminds me of Daughtry; another one I thought should have won Idol.

American Idol judge Simon Cowell told his girlfriend Teri Seymour, who interviewed him on Extra! that eventually they will have to consider lowering the age limit from 16 to 14. I wonder if he thinks that’s going to help the show’s slowly dwindling ratings.

There’s nothing like agroup of kids singing a bunch of show tunes and old hits to boost ratings. But wait;  I thought they already tried that. Anyone remember American Juniors?

If I wanted to see Kids Incorporated, I’d look for old episodes on the internet. They have to face that problem with Idol is that it’s stale. They need to breathe new life into it, and realize that the judges seem tired and bored, with the exception of the pleasantly crazy Paula. And with all due respect, what demographic are they going for when Andrew Lloyd Webber is a guest? Who really wants to see teenagers sing Neil Diamond or Barry Manilow? Other teenagers? I don’t think so.

by Deb Porter-Jones

This is the second to the last performance show for this season and the competition is really heating up. Tonight’s show has the last three contestants competing by singing three songs each: One song chosen by one of the judges, Randy, Paula or Simon, one song chosen by the producers, and the last song to be chosen by the contestants themselves.

For David Archuleta, Paula Abdul chooses a song by Billy Joel: “And So It Goes”, a slow, pretty song full of melancholy stringed instruments. David did surprisingly well with this song. It required extreme control over his breathing and David did really well with it. Paula and Randy loved it. Simon thought it was, “very good, a bit predictable; not outstanding, but really good”. In my opinion, it wasn’t fabulous, but he did a good job. I give him a B.

by Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight’s show is definitely a nail-biter because this is the show that will give us our final three contestants. After last night’s train wreck for Jason Castro (both of his performances were unbelievably bad), and Randy making Syesha cry, it’s anybody’s guess who’s actually going home tonight. Historically, Syesha has almost always been in the bottom two, even when she didn’t deserve to be there. But now that most of the contestants are gone, and she’s clearly better than the worst contestant left, Jason Castro should be going home. If there’s any justice left in the world, that is.

Of course, Jason and Syesha are determined to be in the bottom two, a familiar place for Syesha, I’m sure.

by Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight’s show features the song stylings of the musical singer-songwriting legend, Neil Diamond. He’s also written such iconic hits as “I’m a Believer” sung by the Monkees, “Solitary Man” and Sweet Caroline”. Diamond is probably most well known for penning the music performed in the film in which he also starred, “The Jazz Singer”. This man is truly a legend and our young contestants are truly blessed to have the opportunity to be in the presence of and learn from this superstar.

Our contestants are to sing two of Neil Diamond’s songs and then face a bit of nerve-wracking critique from the judges.

Jason Castro is up first and he performs “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “September Morn”. In the former, he plays guitar and sings rather well. Jason’s a really laid-back fellow so obviously you believe that he’d rather be “Forever in Blue Jeans”. That’s a no-brainer and he did a great job. I give him a B.

By Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight American Idol has invited country music legend Dolly Parton to share some of her wisdom gained from more than four decades in the music business.  The singers will all be performing Dolly’s own country songs.

Dolly is such a warm, inspiring performer (just like Paula, right?) and she said she finds it difficult to critique other singers. She knows what it’s like to be a singer and have your performances judged – so most likely she’ll be taking it easy on our young performers.