By Justin Guarini
Fancast American Idol Correspondent
Host of Reality Chat: Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight, TV Guide Network
Well, here we go.
Finally.
The top 24 get to duke it out. The excellent will separate themselves from the good, and the good will fight among themselves for the few precious spots that will remain in Idol’s top 12. I don’t know about you but I’m so glad that we’ve gotten past the ‘make fun’ stage of the Idol proceedings. If I had to hear and see one more turkey… I would have pulled my hear out, and that would have upset a lot of people (but mostly me). Now we can see who has the talent, the guile, and most of all the strength to make it to the big stage.
Guile and strength you ask? Well, they’re all talented in some capacity, no-doubt, but there are many things that you learn (quickly if you plan to stay in the game) when you experience the entertainment industry at a high level like we’re dealing with tonight. Two of the many, are: Guile, and strength. Politics are another, but it’s extremely complex, and unwise to speak about, so forget it.
Guile.
While this word is inherently negative, and mostly used to describe an unpleasant quality...I’d like to take a bit of the sting out of it and use the watered-down version for my own ends here. The way I mean it is: to fool people into believing that you were born to entertain them, and that you are 150% prepared at all times to do so. You must have the guile gene in your DNA to make it on this show, mostly because the show’s schedule and demands suck the life out of you. It’s the fast lane and only sports cars are allowed. Some handle it better than others. Those that handle it best, usually make it to the top two.
Watch your favorite contestants closely and you’ll see it. The invisible wall of air that we all surround ourselves with, much like the wall of air that keeps you from getting your face burned off during the “Back Draft” ride at Universal, or Disney, or wherever (look it up, it’s kinda cool). The ready smile, the gracious nature, the political correctness…all traits of the people who make it to this round…but now (slightly) and definitely later said traits are put to the test. The phrase “Fake it till ya make it” comes to mind.
There comes a point where you just want to sleep all the time…that’s where guile comes in. ‘Camera-awareness’ becomes second nature. Bruce Gower, the director, used to marvel at how I could always find the exact camera that was filming me (There are a bunch of them buzzing around the studio) and give it a glance every once in a while, while I was singing. It wasn’t all that hard, I almost always felt loose and natural in front of the camera..and they all have a ‘talley light’ on them (a red light mounted on top that tells you when it’s on), but I always kept a good portion of my consciousness on where that eyes was, and it paid off. Will the same go for the boys tonight?
Strength.
A must. This is the beginning of a marathon, not a sprint. The main thing you need to keep strong on this show? The voice (duh). As if the press, and the practice, and the lack of sleep, isn’t bad enough. Improper singing will sink you quicker that swimming with dead gorilla tied around your neck. I am so worried for some of the yellers. I don’t mean that in a derogatory way…they sound good, and you might not even know they’re yelling, but they know. The yellers (whomever they may be, and some change from week to week) push with all their might, putting major stress on their throats and not alleviating the situation with the proper use of their diaphragms.
This is all well and good while it’s still relatively calm during the next few weeks, and the workload is spread out over 24 people. When it’s 12 of you and you have 3 months of a this grueling show ahead of you…the tale is told. We the audience might not see it. The contestants are treated like athletes, if there’s a problem there’s a trainer to fix it. One such trainer is Dr. Joseph Sugarman…vocal doctor to the stars. Someone from his office came and gave me a needle in the tush for my voice during the finale week. I, like you, wondered why it had to be in the rump (seems far from my voice, well, at least my singing voice, haha!) but it was the only place they could inject the Cortisone -- or something like that.
Needless to say it will be a climb for those who don’t have strength, and they will be the ones to fall apart vocally, mentally, socially, or psychotically. Just kidding about the psychotically…I’m making sure you’re paying attention. The contestants look fresh as daisies now, but watch them closely and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
The Idol crown does not come cheap. Nor does the runner-up position. When it gets down to that stage, you and your competitor (and friend) are in the foxhole (no pun intended) together. It’s important to realize, as an audience, what all of the contestants (not just the top two) go through each week to deliver our Idol fix. We see the end result. Unbeknownst to most are the hours of toil, stress, sleeplessness, promotion, strategizing, rehearsal, anger, frustration, adjustment, and down right fear…that all resolve themselves into that moment where the contestant just lets it all go and shines for us. Or doesn’t.
The machine hasn’t quite reached its fever pitch yet, but tonight is the beginning.
The Top 12 Guys
The 60’s…
David Hernendez-
Great voice and a great arrangement, some pitchy spots, but I liked him. He knows what he’s doing…ps they wouldn’t put someone who wouldn’t start the show off right ‘first’…he was stiff. I think that he’ll fix that though. It’s tough to be loose up there, hence the guile, I think he’ll make it through.
Chikeze-
Does he sing like this normally? The song seems too low, and the arrangement, is not my favorite. The song is great, but it drags when he sings it like this. He looks like he knows it on the last note. Sixties music can drag. Simon hated it, and Chick didn’t help himself by going after Simon. Just take it graciously (trust me on that one), and state your case in the post interview with Ryan. He’s gonna have to step it up if he makes it thought to next week.
David Cook-
Guile! Seasoned performers have it, and he’s seasoned. Uh oh, the arrangement started out a little vanilla, and I can’t stand it when the contestants pick up the mic stand…but I actually like it. The song was an odd one, but he actually pulled it off. Were there no Rolling Stones songs that they could clear? A little Bowie?
Ah well…he should make it.
Jason Yeager-
Who? We didn’t see him as all…during the Hollywood week. Well not all that much anyway. Its tough for people like him to make an impression when you don’t get air time. Moon River? Oh, no. Oh, no. It’s a great song…but didn’t anyone tell them that high, long, loud notes are the best way to make an impression on this show early on??? Obviously not. Good for him on pulling out the Grandmother card. Simon nailed it with the Cruse Ship thing. It was Vanilla. He’s got a great voice, but you need more than that to get you past this round. Very gracious, and his son is cute as hell, so I hope that he fares well
I haven’t seen anyone with the killer instinct yet.
Robbie Carrico-
Why don’t these songs sound all that great. I love the 60’s but I feel so far removed from these songs. They all sound angular coming out of the contestants. It’s as if they’re forcing themselves to be comfortable with the songs. All the flashing lights in the world can’t hide that. Again good voice, but I’m not impressed with what’s going on so far. He’s probably pissed about the
David Archuleta-
Ok, he’s a great singer, he’s young, the girls will (already do) love him. He’s got it, and it’s only gonna get better. For the first time I’m engaged and excited to be watching the show. The arrangement sounds great in his voice, and he’s performing. He’s going to the finals, mark my words. Unless he really biffs (which he won’t) he’s set. He’s very likable, but the goofy ‘goober’ thing is going to wear on me, and the nation, if he’s not careful.
Remember Melinda Doolittle’s “I’m surprised that you like me” look? She wore it for weeks on end, and eventually it wore everyone out.
Same story, she got rid of that, and I hope that David will tone his charm down. He’s been here before, on other shows, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. I understand that he’s happy and excited to be here, but I hope that we get to watch him grow and mature with the passing of each week…he’s gonna be here for a while. Don’t think however, that he’s gonna coast to the finals, the Idol Gods won’t let things happen that easily.
…to be continued.
Tomorrow: the last six guys and at least the first six girls…and of course more about my experience of top 24 (top 30) week.
homepage photo credit: Matt Beard
Comments (18)
Justin,
I completely agree with your assessments so far. I thought the guys all seemed tenative and nervous and many of their voices seemed thin, with the exception of David A. and Michael and if I remember correctly they are two that have had work in front of a television camera prior to their appearances on American Idol. I agree David is sweet, but he needs to tone it down a bit, before the audience gets tired of all the gooey sweetness.
Looking forward to your opinion on the other six guys and at least some of the girls.
Posted by Jenni | February 20, 2008 3:39 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 15:39
Your very accurate and revealing account of how really really HARD it is to make it through this show to the final two, shows how only those who really have the stamina, the talent, the drive, the "entertainment smarts", the ability to give it their complete all and not fall apart, make it through.
Any of these kids who are putting themselves out there and trying their best deserve admiration and the final two who survive deserve nothing but respect, appreciation and recognition of their talent and starworthiness.
To think that after all that, a winner will be crowned and pimped for the dollar and the runner up abandoned and thrown to the wolves,and practically crucified, like you were, makes me cringe and very uncomfortable watching these poor kids.
Thank goodness you were always surrounded by your wonderful family and lots of love, and you have the best heart and good head on your shoulders to survive and thrive in spite of A.I and all it entails.
The cream will rise to the top, like you did. Should be an interesting season.
Posted by Anonymous | February 20, 2008 5:13 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 17:13
Your very accurate and revealing account of how really really HARD it is to make it through this show to the final two, shows how only those who really have the stamina, the talent, the drive, the "entertainment smarts", the ability to give it their complete all and not fall apart, make it through.
Any of these kids who are putting themselves out there and trying their best deserve admiration and the final two who survive deserve nothing but respect, appreciation and recognition of their talent and starworthiness.
To think that after all that, a winner will be crowned and pimped for the dollar and the runner up abandoned and thrown to the wolves,and practically crucified, like you were, makes me cringe and very uncomfortable watching these poor kids.
Thank goodness you were always surrounded by your wonderful family and lots of love, and you have the best heartm incredible strength of character, and good head on your shoulders to survive and thrive in spite of A.I and all it entails.
The cream will rise to the top, like you did. Should be an interesting season.
Posted by pat | February 20, 2008 5:14 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 17:14
Your very accurate and revealing account of how really really HARD it is to make it through this show to the final two, shows how only those who really have the stamina, the talent, the drive, the "entertainment smarts", the ability to give it their complete all and not fall apart, make it through.
Any of these kids who are putting themselves out there and trying their best deserve admiration and the final two who survive deserve nothing but respect, appreciation and recognition of their talent and starworthiness.
To think that after all that, a winner will be crowned and pimped for the dollar and the runner up abandoned and thrown to the wolves,and practically crucified, like you were, makes me cringe and very uncomfortable watching these poor kids.
Thank goodness you were always surrounded by your wonderful family and lots of love, and you have the best heartm incredible strength of character, and good head on your shoulders to survive and thrive in spite of A.I and all it entails.
The cream will rise to the top, like you did. Should be an interesting season.
Posted by pat | February 20, 2008 5:14 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 17:14
Justin do you remember David Achuletta singing for Kelly in an airport or hotel lobby? He sang "and I'm telling you I'm not going" check it out on youtube....
can't wait to see what you say about Danny..
Posted by Shannon | February 20, 2008 5:53 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 17:53
Keep straight-talkin' to us. Your personal experiences and honest take on AI machinations, etc. is fascinating to read. My favorite parts, actually.
As for the the current episode:
Agreeing with the observations, thus far. Especially with the goofy goober observation. Annoyingly, it's actually worked on AI in the past. Maybe by Season 7 the audience is wiser.
So far, I haven't experienced that unexpected rush of spotting that special "one-of-a-kind" quality and innate polish in a genuine newcomer. Like I did with you. It's impossible to capture the surprise and freshness of Season One (heck, it was gone by Season Two), but I am feeling a little disillusioned by the number of seasoned and/or well-rehearsed contestants, trained by real-life experience or by watching a lot of previous AI seasons.
Oh, and the judges and Ryan have bugged me for awhile. They forget the show's not about them,
For Shannon:
It was previously mentioned here that David A. sang in front of several of the AI One gang,
Posted by Nal | February 20, 2008 6:08 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 18:08
hi justin,
sounds like you still remember those tough day's on idol like it's yesterday. i liked your description of it all and it really is something a singer wants badly enough to put out that much energy and hard work in such a short period of time. a lot of people would give their right arm to have those opportunities in life, but with great opportunities comes great sacrafice! i know i appreciate all these contestants hard work and their performances overall bring a lot of joy to many people watching. thank god for music in our lives it makes life soo enjoyable.
thanks for the recap justin great to read your insights...i may be off base here, but i liked david cook the most last night and i think the judges didn't see or hear what i did ? for me he seems to fit into today's market. i could be wrong, but david could be another success story like chris daughtery even if david does not win. unless david falls apart, but i liked what i heard and saw he had his own style. i could change my opinion next week, but that is what i felt last night. i do hope the guys can loosen up and just go for it, it's a chance of a life time and they were all adorable and did good, but time to bust out and show their individuality more.
great blog justin...
Posted by JJsugar | February 21, 2008 1:28 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 01:28
hi justin,
sounds like you still remember those tough day's on idol like it's yesterday. i liked your description of it all and it really is something a singer wants badly enough to put out that much energy and hard work in such a short period of time. a lot of people would give their right arm to have those opportunities in life, but with great opportunities comes great sacrafice! i know i appreciate all these contestants hard work and their performances overall bring a lot of joy to many people watching. thank god for music in our lives it makes life soo enjoyable.
thanks for the recap justin great to read your insights...i may be off base here, but i liked david cook the most last night and i think the judges didn't see or hear what i did ? for me he seems to fit into today's market. i could be wrong, but david could be another success story like chris daughtery even if david does not win. unless david falls apart, but i liked what i heard and saw he had his own style. i could change my opinion next week, but that is what i felt last night. i do hope the guys can loosen up and just go for it, it's a chance of a life time and they were all adorable and did good, but time to bust out and show their individuality more.
great blog justin...
Posted by JJsugar | February 21, 2008 1:30 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 01:30
hi justin,
sounds like you still remember those tough day's on idol like it's yesterday. i liked your description of it all and it really is something a singer wants badly enough to put out that much energy and hard work in such a short period of time. a lot of people would give their right arm to have those opportunities in life, but with great opportunities comes great sacrafice! i know i appreciate all these contestants hard work and their performances overall bring a lot of joy to many people watching. thank god for music in our lives it makes life soo enjoyable.
thanks for the recap justin great to read your insights...i may be off base here, but i liked david cook the most last night and i think the judges didn't see or hear what i did ? for me he seems to fit into today's market. i could be wrong, but david could be another success story like chris daughtery even if david does not win. unless david falls apart, but i liked what i heard and saw he had his own style. i could change my opinion next week, but that is what i felt last night. i do hope the guys can loosen up and just go for it, it's a chance of a life time and they were all adorable and did good, but time to bust out and show their individuality more.
great blog justin...
Posted by JJsugar | February 21, 2008 1:34 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 01:34
It seems like all the way through the auditions the judges kept saying that this season's contestants are the most talented of any season, but it didn't really seem like Simon liked many of them, what's up with that? The one thing I did notice is that he liked the rockers, which makes me think that's what they are looking for this season, maybe they are trying to replace the rocker that got away! After hearing the guys, I have to say I don't think they lived up to the hype, like every other season there are a couple of good ones and the rest were just okay. Just my opinion......
Posted by Sandra | February 21, 2008 1:34 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 01:34
Another great read. I agree with your assessment of David A. He is good and knows it but that "goofy" act is getting old already. The judges and Ryan keep harping on this being the best top 24 ever. I must have missed something because I am still waiting to be wowed. There is no denying that there are talented singers in the group but no one has wowed me yet. I haven't been moved to buy any performance downloads even though they are available on I-Tunes this year.
It is great hearing about your experiences during Season 1. Did Dr. Sugarman have to treat others in the Top 10 during your season? You certainly never appeared to be sick or suffering from vocal strain as some others did during Season 1. I look forward to reading your assessment on the remainder of the top 24.
Posted by Joyce | February 21, 2008 1:38 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 01:38
hi justin,
sounds like you still remember those tough day's on idol like it's yesterday. i liked your description of it all and it really is something a singer wants badly enough to put out that much energy and hard work in such a short period of time. a lot of people would give their right arm to have those opportunities in life, but with great opportunities comes great sacrafice! i know i appreciate all these contestants hard work and their performances overall bring a lot of joy to many people watching. thank god for music in our lives it makes life soo enjoyable.
thanks for the recap justin great to read your insights...i may be off base here, but i liked david cook the most last night and i think the judges didn't see or hear what i did on t.v.? for me he seems to fit into today's market. i could be wrong, but david cook could be another success story like chris daughtery different style of course. unless david falls apart, but i liked what i heard and saw he had his own style. i could change my opinion next week, but that is what i felt last night. i do hope the guys can loosen up and just go for it, it's a chance of a life time and they were all adorable and did well, but time to bust out and show their individuality more. these youngsters make rull the top 12, quite a lot of talent in these 17 year olds..
great blog justin...
Posted by JJsugar | February 21, 2008 1:39 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 01:39
Another great read. I agree with your assessment of David A. He is good and knows it but that "goofy" act is getting old already. The judges and Ryan keep harping on this being the best top 24 ever. I must have missed something because I am still waiting to be wowed. There is no denying that there are talented singers in the group but no one has wowed me yet. I haven't been moved to buy any performance downloads even though they are available on I-Tunes this year.
It is great hearing about your experiences during Season 1. Did Dr. Sugarman have to treat others in the Top 10 during your season? You certainly never appeared to be sick or suffering from vocal strain as some others did during Season 1. I look forward to reading your assessment on the remainder of the top 24.
Posted by Joyce | February 21, 2008 1:39 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 01:39
ops sorry not sure why it posted my comment many times, it kept saying this site was busy and i waited and then tried to post again. yikes!!
sorry...
Posted by jjsugar | February 21, 2008 1:51 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 01:51
I liked David Cook too, he seemed at least to feel comfortable up there. So many of others seemed like deer in the headlights! lol.
I think they're faking us out with by seeming to favor the rockers this early. If I had to guess, I'm thinking they're looking to replace Kelly Clarkson with Carly Smithson, since Kelly is in the doghouse these days with AI and RCA. It remains to be seen if the public is sold on Carly though. Still, her voice is best suited for those screamy glory notes AI fans seem to favor.
Subtlety is not usually rewarded on this show.
Posted by Mary | February 21, 2008 11:03 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 11:03
In case you check here before writing about the girls. Was it my imagination or were they being drowned out by the band and backup singers? Often I couldn't tell who was singing what. At one point I even thought one girl's mic wasn't working, I saw lips moving, but no singing.. From her, that is. Plenty of volume on everything and everyone else. I found the whole sound issues very distracting..Wasn't the case with the guys (whose voices I thought might even be getting a little sound system enhancement at times).
Of course, this is coming from a layperson's ears. Maybe you could talk a little about the varying arrangements/assistance (if any) contestants are given to work with in general. Or maybe that falls too closely into the "complex" category of "politics".
One more thing about last night. IMO, not enough "guile", and a bit too much "yelling". I like guile, not so much the yelling.
Posted by Nal | February 21, 2008 11:14 AM
Posted on February 21, 2008 11:14
one click to post, here it goes..lol
i ditto mary's post and i'm glad i'm not alone in my opinion about david cook. i bet a girl will win and i doubt the look a like carrie underwood will win, but as mary said maybe that carly girl. she reminds me of carly simon if that is the one with the long curly hair who is a nanny. i'm just getting to know the girls. girls night went better overall then the guy's night, but i'm starting to feel this is definately not the best year and in fact may be one of the weaker years. the year with carrie underwood had a lot of good singers and the year with Ace and chris was a strong year.
i'm a bit bias, but season one with Justin, Tamyra, Kelly and Nikki and even RJ and EJ were better singers than what i'm hearing on ai-7! even Christian christian gave better performances then what i saw last night! is it just me ? is this year seeming to be falling apart ? or very kereokee ? the judges have lost their touch in a few past seasons some amazing talents were discovered like kim locke and on and on..I like the kids this year, but we shall see how they can hold up to the standards set by soo many great singers of past ai shows! it will be a challenge for them this year.
Posted by JJsugar | February 21, 2008 1:13 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 13:13
I have to agree that the guys were a bit boring, with the exception of David and Jason Castro. This is probably one of the worst top 24's, at least from the shows this week. Hopefully the contestants will lose the nerves next week and live up to actually be the "best" top 24 like everyone is claiming them to be.
Posted by Danica | February 21, 2008 9:33 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 21:33