By Justin Guarini
Fancast American Idol Correspondent
Host of Reality Chat: Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight,
TV Guide Network
With few exceptions, singing a Neil Diamond song is best left to Neil Diamond. It’s not just an opinion, it’s science. There is something magical and undeniable about his voice, and it’s part of the reason why he’s been able to take such song’s with titles like “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Soolaimon”, “Holly Holy”, and “Crunchy Granola Suite”…and make the audience love them. There’s a reason why people love Will Farrel’s impression of Neil, and there’s also a reason why N.D. has sold over 100k records. What is this elusive and esoteric reason? I’m proud to say that I have no clue. I don’t want to know, it might ruin the mystique.
That being said, I was not a huge fan of the song he chose to sing off of his new album. It was not exactly…stirring. He’s so earnest though. I’ll give him a pass on this one…ha! As if my opinion really matters that much to a man who easily sells 20,000 tickets a night.
The group song was lamentable. The only thing worse than someone else singing a Neil Diamond song, is a chorus of people singing a Neil Diamond song. It was a sharp dip from the fantastic group performance of the prior week. It must be tough having to slog through a medley of group songs knowing that they might be your last…especially when they’re songs that have no business being put in a group medley.
After the shenanigans of the previous night, this show looked relatively tame. The usual antics ensued, plus a very heart-felt Paula moment that dispelled any rumors regarding Paula’s dismissal. The judges have a tough job, no doubt, and they had a lot of curveballs thrown at them Tuesday night. Some were even thrown at them moments before the show came back from commercial break.
I will say this.
The show is not scripted.
The judges take into careful consideration what they say about each contestant, and the live performance is the basis for their judgments.
Period.
There were a few things that tickled me during the show, but the biggest one was when David Archuleta was ‘shocked’ by the fact that he was safe. He seemed dumbfounded as he walked to the couch, and were he any other person, I would totally be making fun of him for it. Unfortunately for me, he’s actually a really sweet person, who was probably genuinely nervous and shocked. I think it’s absurd, as he will most likely be in the finals due not only his talent, but the armada of girls that vote for him.
Brooke…poor Brooke.
We all saw this one coming, but we still were unprepared for her reaction to the result. As she broke down, I saw sadness mixed with a bit of relief. She has been so worried over the past few weeks and it’s been evident in her performances. I had the pleasure of interviewing her after the show and she couldn’t have been happier and more adjusted to the fact that she was no longer a part of the show. The funny thing is that she’s going to be back with her idol faves in one week. The rehearsals for the finale will ensue and the tour prep will commence. She’ll have a week to breathe and catch up on some much needed sleep…then it’s back to the grind.
A difficult week, that saw Syesha in the bottom 2 again. I think that’s a load of crap, and I hope that America gets a grip on a good performer.
Until next week…
Homepage photo credit: Matt Beard
Comments (4)
Justin,
I agree with you, I thought Brooke would be going home, but there is no way Seyesha should be in the bottom two, she can SING, but for some reason she hasn't clicked with the public. My theory is that she is too pretty, too skinny and is an exceptionally talented singer. Not the goofy girl next door in need of a makeover and we all know the American public likes to vote for the underdog, the not too pretty people, the not too skinny people and not too classy contestant. So there you go, it's happened more than once over the several seasons of AI. As far as Paula, I think she seems like a genuinely nice person who is maybe a little ditzy. I think it was an honest mistake.
Love your blogs.
Posted by Stacie | May 1, 2008 10:43 PM
Posted on May 1, 2008 22:43
I agree about the group sing. Last night's group sing was painful. Only Neil Diamond should sing his songs. I am sorry that Syesha is not appreciated for how talented she really is. She is an amazing performer. She reminds me of Tamyra very polished and always giving an incredible performance. Her confidence is seen as being cold and standoffish which is unfortunate. I hope she doesn't leave at spot 4 as Tamyra did. As far as Paula is concerned, what she is said was unfortunate but if Jason can't handle that, he has no business in the entertainment industry. Her critique was minor compared to what he will face from others. I enjoy your blogs.
Posted by Joyce | May 1, 2008 11:31 PM
Posted on May 1, 2008 23:31
hi justin, i'm not sure this post will work fan cast has been giving me trouble.
glad to hear brooke was doing better when you interviewed her. i was sad for her that her last performance ended like that and i guess she was all joked up. i like it when the show has them sing before elimination that is better especially at this point in the season. oh well, we live and learn.
as for paula, i enjoy those moments when the show goes wrong and paula was funny...i miss the day's in Ai-1 when the Judges would fight like when Simon and Randy almost fought over RJ! gotta love that stuff it's good T.v. haha as for Jason, he is very talented, but he does not seem too serious about this show ?? so any comments to him that may be harsh ? oh well..sometimes i think he is mocking the show in a way ?? i'm not sure it's hard to really tell! he is good though and a very quirky personality like 'i don't care' attitude? but he might care ? it's hard to know just from watching a person on t.v. i could be totally off base. let's see if fancast posting works! lol
Posted by sharonJJsugar | May 2, 2008 12:53 AM
Posted on May 2, 2008 00:53
Justin--
Just thought I'd leave you a thank you for continuing to share your informed, thoughtful, and courteous commentary on this show. You are, in my opinion, the very best in an over-crowded field of pundits.
Posted by --bianca | May 2, 2008 5:18 PM
Posted on May 2, 2008 17:18