It’s do-or-die time on American Idol, and I can happily say that Syesha Mercado is still alive and kicking. While most Idol “experts” (and even some judges) will tell you that the finals should come down to a battle of the two Davids, I’ve been hoping for a small miracle that would allow Syesha to strut her stuff into the finals. Last night she may have gotten her opportunity.

The show was split up into three pseudo-rounds: In the first round, songs were chosen by a judge, in the second the contestants chose their own songs, and lastly the producers made selections.

Photo credit: FOX

For boy-wonder David Archuleta, the evening resulted in mixed reviews. Paula Abdul chose “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel for his first song, and Randy Jackson said he was completely “in the zone.”

Photo credit: FOX

David’s personal choice was possibly the most interesting of the season, singing “With You” by Chris Brown. Though it’s definitely the first time he’s tackled something that’s even remotely targeted towards his age bracket, it didn’t necessarily make it a good decision. Simon Cowell’s assessment of the situation (like a chihuahua acting like a tiger) was right on the money. Lastly, the judges had him sing “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg. Bor-ing. … continue reading

And then there was one — one female that is. Brooke White left us last week, leaving Syesha Mercado as the only female remaining on American Idol for Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame week.

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

I have to say, if someone had told me that the last girl standing would be Syesha, I would have told them they were crazier than Paula Abdul. And then I would have been wrong. It goes to show you how much I know.

Last night, contestants chose songs from the Hall's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, and in the wake of Paula-gate, the judges went back to their normal format of critiquing them after each performance. It's too bad, really. Last week was so entertaining.

The resident rocker — David Cook — started off with "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran, which kind of surprised me. I had him pegged for some Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin or at least the Rolling Stones. Perhaps he should have started off with one of those, because all three judges gave him lukewarm praise at best. … continue reading

Before I get into the mayhem that was last night’s show, I would like to first lament the unfortunate and untimely loss of Carly Smithson. I admittedly didn’t see that one coming. But, such is the life of an Idol fan.

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Plus, I can always find solace in the knowledge that she will certainly be putting out a record of some sort within the next year or so. And I have faith that this one has to be better than her first one.

Now, let’s get to the task at hand. Last night’s American Idol can best be summed up by quoting Simon Cowell: “This is officially the strangest show we’ve ever done.”

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

With Neil Diamond mentoring and only five contestants left, this week marked the first of the season where we get to hear more than one song per person. That fact alone is standard, but where they decided to shake things up was in the judging. At the beginning of the show, Ryan Seacrest announced that the judging would be held off until after each contestant sings both songs song. Fair enough. And so, the singing began. … continue reading

We're halfway through the finals on American Idol, and yet I feel as though we've been watching these "singers" for months. Oh, wait. We have been. (It's amazing how much they can stretch out these seasons!)

On our first Kristy Lee–free (thank goodness!) night, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber was the mentor, and his songs were the theme.

The top six contestants with Andrew Lloyd Webber

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Kicking it off in the opening time slot was Syesha Mercado, and she looked absolutely stunning.

Photo credit: Frank Micelotta/FOX

She sang "One Rock 'n' Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express. All three judges sang her praises, and I wholeheartedly agreed with them. For the first time all season, I felt like she showed personality in her performance. According to Paula Abdul, theater is Syesha's "thing," and it definitely showed. Simon Cowell even called it "sexy!" (Look closely at 4:08 to see Allison Janney in the audience!) … continue reading

If you follow American Idol even half as close as I do, then two things must be true: you have a lot of free time, and you are already aware how much the men have been overshadowing the women this season. I have been trying to avoid talking about the guys too much because, frankly, I don't want any of them to win. But, alas, it seems unavoidable this week.

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Idol has now endured its first true “ shock ” elimination as Michael Johns left the competition last week. But, I have a problem with the use of that word whenever someone undeserving receives the least votes. Let's face it, folks, all but one contestant will eventually be eliminated; there is no “shock” value in that fact. Michael, as good as he was, was not going to be this season's Idol, so I don't think a week or two's difference here or there in the elimination process makes much of a difference.

But, onward to those who are still in the competition. As promised, Mariah Carey came back this week as the mentor, and I was thoroughly disappointed in the song choices by most of the contestants. Perhaps it was deemed “safer” to avoid some of Mariah's most popular singles, but I still wanted to hear them. Where was “Dreamlover” or “Against All Odds?” Oh well.

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Starting off the show by singing one of the few recognizable songs was David Archuleta with “When You Believe,” and he was totally rockin' some leather (pleather?) pants. Simon gloated about knowing that David would choose this song, and I can't decide if that's a good thing for him or not. Regardless, it was definitely one of the best performances of the night. (Watch it here.) … continue reading

Tonight is the second annual Idol Gives Back special on American Idol, and it promises to be a celebrity-studded event. Due to the success of last year's event, it is going to be longer, it has brought in even bigger performers and more corporate sponsors. Idol producers have set a goal of $100 million in donations and pledges — $25 million more than last year's total.

But I'm getting ahead of myself, because there were performances last night, to the tune of “inspirational songs.” And I have to admit that for the first time all season, I don't have any major complaints!

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Syesha Mercado got things started for the ladies by singing former Idol winner Fantasia Barrino's first single, “I Believe.” Randy may have thought she got in over her head on the performance, but I begrudgingly agree with Paula Abdul's grammatically correct yet awkward statement, “I just think hands down this is one of your most shining nights.” … continue reading

It's been a long time coming, but Dolly Parton finally stepped into the American Idol arena last night as a mentor. Though I was a little uncertain about how well the contestants would handle her collection of music, I was excited for a never-before-done theme. Dolly was fun and bubbly and encouraging and absolutely everything an Idol mentor should be.

One of my favorites, Brooke White (along with a bluegrass band), opened the show with “Jolene” and failed to impress the judges. I admit I wasn't completely blown away either, but I thought it was a solid performance. She's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Ramiele Malubay sang “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” and for the first time in several weeks, I feel like she chose the right song and sang it well. Simon Cowell, however, didn't like it and called her performance “forgettable.” (Is anyone surprised? He uses this insult every week.)

… continue reading

After last week’s poor choice of theme on American Idol, I remember thinking to myself, “Self, it can only get better from here.” I was incredibly mistaken. It appears as though every theme will eventually repeat itself later in the season under the guise of a different name: “Songs from the Lennon/McCartney Songbook” became “Beatles Night,” and now “'80s Night” has morphed into “Songs from the Year You Were Born.” Oh, boy. (I can only count down the days until Dolly Parton is the mentor!)

Ramiele Malubay kicked things off with a performance of Heart’s “Alone,” prompting the inevitable comparison to Carrie Underwood’s performance of the same back in Season 4. Who sang it better? You decide.

Ramiele Malubay:

Carrie Underwood: … continue reading

The American Idol producers thought last week’s show went so well, they might as well do an “encore night” of Beatles songs. I guarantee you they regret their decision today. Last night, most of the contestants chose to pass on some of the more well-known Beatles songs, and very few performances stuck out. Luckily, for Kristy Lee Cook though, no one was completely dreadful this week, either. Amanda Overmyer finally got a chance to open the show last night, and I thought she looked great. Thank goodness they stopped overdoing it with her style.

As far as her sound, well, it was the same-old, same-old, and I think her time might be running out unless she can show us something new next week.

Kristy Lee Cook was as boring as usual. She is so out of her league in this competition, it’s ridiculous. Sadly, my favorite lady, Brooke White, was also fairly bland. She sang “Here Comes the Sun,” and when I say that’s what she sang, I’m being literal. Those were virtually the only lyrics she used in the entire performance. It was repetitive and awkward. She was totally out of her element, and I was totally disappointed. I’m just going to forget about that performance and focus back on “Let It Be” and “Love Is a Battlefield.”

The one bright spot on the night was our favorite Irish lady, Carly Smithson. She definitely loses points in my book, though, for her odd (and unnecessary) use of symbolism while explaining to Simon why she chose, out of the entire Beatles’ collection, to sing about a blackbird. … continue reading

Last night on American Idol, the new set was unveiled to mark the beginning of this year’s finals. Ryan Seacrest made a big to-do about it, and the cameras swooped around the stage to show off all the changes. I, for one, didn’t see that much difference, but I do like that the band is now on a balcony above the stage. That was cool.

When they finally got to the singing part of the show (remember that?), they revealed that the tunes for the evening would be those of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Apparently, the Idol producers decided it was a good idea to butcher songs by the greatest songwriters of all time, rather than the usual mediocre ones. I love the Beatles, and I figured out early that the performances would take on one of two forms: phenomenal or disastrous. Those are the only options for songs of this caliber.

Boy, was I dead on. I am sorry to report that on the aforementioned scale, the ladies were more frequently found on the “disastrous” end of things. Particularly Kristy Lee Cook, singing “8 Days a Week.” I believe this may have been one of the worst performances on Idol, ever (and I’m a country music fan!). Check out the fiasco performance for yourself.

Yuck. On the other hand, two of my favorite contenders were absolutely fantastic. Carly Smithson, everyone’s favorite Irish “amateur,” sang “Come Together.” In her pre-performance interview, Carly revealed that the song was very familiar to her; she sings it almost every time she performs. … continue reading

Last night, the final 12 Idol girls tried to impress America. I was mildly entertained, but where's this year's Melinda Doolittle or Jennifer Hudson? I guess we mustn't be greedy.

After the show, I looked at my list of favorites so far and realized their first names all start and end with an a (or at least end with an "uh" sound): Amanda Overmyer, Alexandréa Lushington and Asia'h Epperson. Weird!

Amanda:

Alexandréa:

Asia'h:

The pattern would have been broken if I had been able to include Syesha Mercado, and I was expecting to. But, as my girlfriend said, last night Syesha was more like Sy-yeeeesh!-a. Not the best song choice, although Simon did like it.

Anyway, Amanda Overmyer is definitely my girl this year, and I hope she lasts a while. She can actually rock, rather than just pretend to rock, and she seems very down-to-earth. (Her Q&A on the Idol website is great — "Q: What other talents do you have?" "A: Harley rider, good cook.") Plus, that hair! It's some sort of Elvira-meets-Debbie-Harry-meets-Concrete-Blonde look. Here she is singing "Baby Please Don't Go": … continue reading

Now that the weeks-long exercise in public humiliation — aka the audition phase — is over, I can finally watch American Idol. Last night, the Hollywood round began, which means tonight we'll meet the 12 women and 12 men who will vie for the ultimate title.

I already have a favorite: Amanda Overmyer, the goth nurse from Indiana. The Janis Joplin comparison is probably going to get old, but she really does have that groove. The minute Amanda started singing last night, my girlfriend laughed and said, "You're such a sucker for a gravelly voice." I am, I am! Plus, Amanda reminds me of Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde.

Here she is with that whiskey-soaked voice of hers:

Meanwhile, I'm not quite sure what I think of Carly Smithson yet. She's the one who has already had a record deal, which still makes me go hmm. But she did belt the hell out of that great Heart song "Alone" last night (after a slow start), and I can't help but dig her tattoos. … continue reading

Today on the Chicago Tribune blog The Watcher, TV critic Maureen Ryan exposes an American Idol contestant who has already made an album. Carly Smithson, highlighted on last night's episode of Idol, released a major-label album in 2001 under her maiden name, Carly Hennessy. She got through to the Hollywood round on Idol in 2005, but had visa issues (she's Irish) and had to leave the show.

Apparently her MCA-backed album failed to launch her career: It sold only 378 copies in its first week. So she's still trying to get that big break.

Is this a cover-up on the producers' part, or no big deal? Says Ryan,

True, the singing contest is inevitably going to feature people who have had professional careers and recording contracts. But there’s a difference between someone who’s been a backup singer or had a few self-released or indie albums and someone who’s had major backing from one of the biggest record labels in the world.

Isn’t this competition about discovering fresh new talents? Smithson was hardly undiscovered. Fine. Just tell people that.

I guess that's just it; it depends on what the competition is about and how you define fresh. Yeah, she made a record, but not many people heard it — it's like that tree falling in the forest. Only more tuneful. How "undiscovered" can you be, anyway, in the MySpace age? … continue reading

Has Nip/Tuck been on lately? I feel like I haven't seen it in weeks. But I can't say I've missed it, really; I still haven't recovered from the hot tub thing. Poor Paula Marshall.

Anyway, Rosie O'Donnell returns tonight as Dawn Budge, and this time she's giving orders on Sean and Christian's TV show. Should be fun.

Meanwhile, American Idol is back tonight at 87c on Fox. Are you ready? Or maybe the better question is, are you even going to bother to watch? Last season I swore I'd never watch again if Melinda Doolittle didn't win, but I think we all know I was just posturing. The show always draws me in — plus, it could be the best thing on TV during the writers' strike.

I'm also hoping against hope that there will be an openly lesbian contestant this year. I mean, it's Season 7. Seven seasons without one out lesbian? That's not reality TV — that's the most unrealistic thing I've ever heard. And I don't want a she-must-be-gay contestant like Briana Ramirez-Rial (or even the much-rumored Kelly Clarkson). I'm looking for the next big lesbian singer-songwriter-superstar. (Hey, there's an idea for a show.)

EW.com has a preview of the season and a whole section devoted to the Idol. For those of you who (like my girlfriend) would rather skip the public humiliation that is the national tryouts, you don't need to tune in until Feb. 12, when the Hollywood round begins.

Someone just sent me this video of Katharine McPhee. Apparently the American Idol runner-up helped out with the weather and traffic during an appearance in St. Louis last week. If you haven't already seen it and you're a McPhee fan, I don't know whether to warn you or encourage you. I mean, it's sort of silly. But it's also pretty damn charming.

(The video is after the jump.) … continue reading