American Idol 3/4 The Guys *Spoiler*

[Cindy1230]

I apologize in advance, I haven't started watching yet,... but it's been driving me absolutely bonkers on where I've seen Jason Castro before. (I did search the forum to make sure no one else has brought this up).

So, I finally you-tubed him, and (i hate to admit that I watched this) but he was on the MTV show Cheyenne and was in her video.

If anyone else was having this issue, even just one person, I'm glad i could relieve them of the madness i was going through, and it was worth being the first post on here. ;)

Thanks for listening. Off to watch the show.

[TonyTheTiger]

ell, unless VFTW saves him, I think Danny's going home this week. Not sure who else just yet, but it could be Hernandez or Cook.

[GDG76]

ell, unless VFTW saves him, I think Danny's going home this week. Not sure who else just yet, but it could be Hernandez or Cook.

If it's not Luke Menard and Danny, then the voters deserve what they get...

[jay_man2]

Thank goodness for TiVo. Another week where I think most of the guys, and the girl Danny, could go home. Archuleta has a lock on the guy side.

[Neenahboy]

There are some songs AI contestants just shouldn't attempt. "Hallelujah" is one of them. Hated it. Hated hated HATED it.

[Cindy1230]

There are some songs AI contestants just shouldn't attempt. "Hallelujah" is one of them. Hated it. Hated hated HATED it.

I really liked it. It wasn't perfect singing, but it was a great performance. And I liked David Cook, but he needs to do something else with his hair.

The bottom - Luke, Danny, & Chikezie

[TIVO_GUY_HERE]

There are some songs AI contestants just shouldn't attempt. "Hallelujah" is one of them. Hated it. Hated hated HATED it.

I liked it the 1st 20 times I heard it, then EVERY show on WB and CW used it in promos and season finales that I got sick of it.

[bqmeister]

Hallelujah was my favorite of the night.

Pretty much all of the rest sucked.

Was this 80s week? If so, what a freakin' waste!

[MickeS]

Luke was competent but boring.

David Cook was HORRIBLE, I thought, at least vocally. The performance was OK. I can't shake the feeling that I've heard his arrangement of "Hello" elsewhere though.

Danny was OK I thought, but his mannerisms are incredibly annoying.

I can barely remember the rest. I didn't even vote. :)

[AJRitz]

The two worst performances, by a fairly wide margin, were Danny Noriega and Luke Menard. Danny was awful. Campy to the extreme, and without a particularly powerful vocal to make up for it. Luke's voice was just weak and thin. I don't know what Paula was saying about him having a "beautiful instrument" - maybe if that instrument was a pennywhistle.

I LOVED David Cook's performance - the best, most creative re-interpretation of a well-known song yet.

David Hernandez needs to stick with R&B. He was OK, but just OK.

Jason Castro was the best he's been so far, but I wasn't as impressed with his Hallelujah as the judges were. I thought he missed some opportunities to show off his voice - he just kept it way too restrained.

David Archuleta needs to figure out how to handle his phrasing better, so that he can show off his vocals without having to sing songs like he's put a rock on an LP. He managed to make a good vocal downright boring.

Michael Johns was good. He's staked out his artistic territory, and vote-splitting between he and David Cook is likely to knock one or the other of them out earlier than they ought to go (probably David Cook).

Chikezie has the purest R&B voice, and he's likely to stick around for a while, because he sounds significantly different from any of the others. I think he still best with more upbeat songs though.

[Cainebj]

Michael Johns just keeps getting worse and worse.

well not worse than Luke Menard
- but i swear the guy that sang Bohemian Rhapsody at the auditions was another person.

[firerose818]

I totally agree with AJ! I thought David Cook was fantastic. I can't think of another performance recently that I have enjoyed watching as much. What a great job!

I didn't enjoy Jason Castro as much as the judges did, though.

Also, if it was 80's night, why was David Hernandez singing a Celine Dion song from the mid-90's? Is there another 80's version I don't know about?

Edit - why yes, Ilana, there is an earlier version, according to Wiki. By a band I have never heard of. In 1989. I guess it is in on a technicality.

[Philly Bill]

Hallelujah was my favorite of the night.


Man... I must be the only person on the planet that has never, EVER heard this song before.

Cook was great. Danielle has got to go.

[MickeS]

Slightly off-topic: why do so many of the guys (especially the "rockers" :rolleyes:) hold the microphone with the thumb on the same side as the fingers? It looks odd to me.

[appleye1]

Ugggh...Danjaya needs to be out of there.

[ewilts]

Man... I must be the only person on the planet that has never, EVER heard this song before.
The only other version I remember is from Brandi Carlile. I was old enough in the '80s to remember Leonard Cohen and I don't remember his version. I also don't remember hearing it on Shrek! I must have a bad memory...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallelujah_%28song%29

The 2 I expect to go this week are Danny (it's about time!) and Chikezie.

Personally, I don't like David Archuleta - he sounds like he has a permanent cold and he can get voted off any time and it wouldn't bother me. The other 2 Davids were pretty good today and I really like Jason's song.

[Sadara]

There are only a couple of the guys that I like, the rest of them aren't so great. The Ausie dude and the Rocker dude are the only ones that I like.

[atrac]

Man... I must be the only person on the planet that has never, EVER heard this song before.

Don't worry, I was born in 1969 and have never heard it before either. I was actually waiting for the judges to say "why did you pick such an obscure song from all of the massive hits of the 80's?" D'oh! Of course, you may remember me as the one who never heard of "Islands in the Stream" either! ;)

I *was* surprised to hear David Hernandez singing "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" since we do all know and love it from Celine Dion in the 90's. But indeed, as firerose818 alluded to, Jim Steinman wrote it in the 80's and instead of saving it for Meat Loaf he put it on his '89 Pandora's Box concept album "Original Sin." Meat Loaf did end up releasing it at the end of 2006 (with a loud THUD unfortunately in the United States). I would have made him pick another song and save this one for 90's week. ;)

Michael Johns reminds me of Jim Morrison whenever he performs.

David Archuleta completely underwhelmed me this week. And when he was called on his song choice I thought it was a little lame of him to say he did it to bring attention to homeless people around the world. I didn't buy it.

[JETarpon]

Was this 80s week? If so, what a freakin' waste!

No kidding. With all the 80s songs to choose from, they picked THOSE?

[Kamakzie]

These contestants sure have a lot of controversies this year.

[Sue C.]

>>Man... I must be the only person on the planet that has never, EVER heard this song before.<<

No, neither me or my husband have heard it before tonight.

And did Randy really think 'Don't You Forget About Me' was an INXS song??? Simple Minds are not even Australian.

I hope it's Luke and Danny-girl leaving this week.

[DevdogAZ]

I thought David Cook was very good. After a shaky start, I really enjoyed his rendition of "Hello."

I thought Castro and Michael Johns were much weaker than the judges seemed to. It's interesting that they get their favorites and then don't point out their small mistakes, but with those they don't like, they can do nothing but nitpick on the small mistakes.

Hernandez, Archuleta and Chiekeze were OK. Not their best performances, but good enough to stay in.

Luke's rendition of "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" was kind of fun and energetic, but he simply has the weakest voice of those left, and he'll definitely be gone.

Danjaya (I love that) was just cringeworthy. Please let him be gone on Thursday.

[TiVoCrastinator]

There are some songs AI contestants just shouldn't attempt. "Hallelujah" is one of them. Hated it. Hated hated HATED it.
+1 I don't even know the song and I hated it. And I hate those gawd-awful dreadlocks.

Man... I must be the only person on the planet that has never, EVER heard this song before.

No, I've no clue what that song is.

...Danielle has got to go.
I actually thought his voice sounded good, and he comes off as more fun than some of the others. I liked him tonight and thought he'll probably stick around for another couple weeks, anyway.

David Hernandez sounded like he was singing through his nose. I don't care for him at all. If I had to guess, I'd say goodbye to him and to Jason Castro.

[madscientist]

Obviously not so many true Shrek fans here! We even own the soundtrack... it's actually quite a fun set of songs. Hallelujah is one of my favorites. I actually prefer the Wainwright cover (the one on the Shrek soundtrack) over the Buckley version, although the latter is the one everyone usually talks about. Maybe I've just heard the Wainwright version so often that it's how I think the song "should" sound.

[gossamer88]

Loved Cook's rendition of Hello. Archuleta was good as usual and Chikezie pulled one off last night. I believe it's going to be a guy who wins this. None of the woman are memorable this year.

Luke and Danny has got to go.

[wprager]

ell, unless VFTW saves him, I think Danny's going home this week. Not sure who else just yet, but it could be Hernandez or Cook.

Cook was my favorite last night. Took a horribly sappy Lionel Ritchie song and made it -- what's that term Simon likes? -- relevant. I'd send David H. home before David C. Actually, based on last night's performances alone I'd send David A. home before his as well. Yeah, I said it, big whoop, wanna fight about it?

[wprager]

There are some songs AI contestants just shouldn't attempt. "Hallelujah" is one of them. Hated it. Hated hated HATED it.

He flubbed the last note. Other than that, it was very memorable. I love that song and I liked his performance. But, of course, when Simon loves it you have to expect a few people to "hate, hate, hate" it.

[wprager]

I really liked it. It wasn't perfect singing, but it was a great performance. And I liked David Cook, but he needs to do something else with his hair.

The bottom - Luke, Danny, & Chikezie

From day-one my wife's been saying that David Cook looks like "Keith" from the Partridge Family (major crush from her teen days I think). Frankly, I never saw it, mostly because of that hair. He looked like a guy with a comb-over at one point, and the clothes he wore didn't help. But, I'm a guy and what do I know; my wife sees something, and with the right touches he will look good on camera.

[uncdrew]

The two worst performances, by a fairly wide margin, were Danny Noriega and Luke Menard. Danny was awful. Campy to the extreme, and without a particularly powerful vocal to make up for it. Luke's voice was just weak and thin. I don't know what Paula was saying about him having a "beautiful instrument" - maybe if that instrument was a pennywhistle.

I LOVED David Cook's performance - the best, most creative re-interpretation of a well-known song yet.

David Hernandez needs to stick with R&B. He was OK, but just OK.

Jason Castro was the best he's been so far, but I wasn't as impressed with his Hallelujah as the judges were. I thought he missed some opportunities to show off his voice - he just kept it way too restrained.

David Archuleta needs to figure out how to handle his phrasing better, so that he can show off his vocals without having to sing songs like he's put a rock on an LP. He managed to make a good vocal downright boring.

Michael Johns was good. He's staked out his artistic territory, and vote-splitting between he and David Cook is likely to knock one or the other of them out earlier than they ought to go (probably David Cook).

Chikezie has the purest R&B voice, and he's likely to stick around for a while, because he sounds significantly different from any of the others. I think he still best with more upbeat songs though.

I agree with all that.

Archuleta needs to do something upbeat. Chikezie was great.

Luke and Danny... buh bye

[TonyTheTiger]

Cook was my favorite last night. Took a horribly sappy Lionel Ritchie song and made it -- what's that term Simon likes? -- relevant. I'd send David H. home before David C. Actually, based on last night's performances alone I'd send David A. home before his as well. Yeah, I said it, big whoop, wanna fight about it?

You'd get no fight from me for an opinion!

Archuleta is taking risks by choosing "favorite" and popular songs that most people would steer clear from because of the public's love of the original. whether you like him or not, you have to admire the courage to do this. I absolutely love Lennon and Collins, but I have to admit that, maybe not even close to being as good as the original, he did a good job of making both songs his own. If this show is about taking chances, he has to get props, dawg.

He is slightly in danger, however, of becoming obnoxious.

[jwehman]

And did Randy really think 'Don't You Forget About Me' was an INXS song??? Simple Minds are not even Australian.

I was confused about this as well...I was thinking it would have been a great opportunity for Michael to do an INXS song, but he chose Simple Minds. And then Randy pulls that one out, and I was like... "?"

[wprager]

It was written in the '80s and originally meant for Bat out of Hell: II. It's always been a "Meatloaf" song to me, even if Celine recorded it "first". I remember the first time I heard it (the Celine version) I thought I'd already heard it done by Meatloaf. Except that it wasn't, at least not yet. Then I found out it was written by Steinman (who produced and wrote songs for BooH 1&2) and it all made sense.

I totally agree with AJ! I thought David Cook was fantastic. I can't think of another performance recently that I have enjoyed watching as much. What a great job!

I didn't enjoy Jason Castro as much as the judges did, though.

Also, if it was 80's night, why was David Hernandez singing a Celine Dion song from the mid-90's? Is there another 80's version I don't know about?

Edit - why yes, Ilana, there is an earlier version, according to Wiki. By a band I have never heard of. In 1989. I guess it is in on a technicality.

[wprager]

Man... I must be the only person on the planet that has never, EVER heard this song before.

Cook was great. Danielle has got to go.

I guess you're also the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Shrek. It was featured quite prominently there.

[ADG]

A little help please. Every time my wife & I see David Hernandez we comment on how much he looks just like a tv actor, but neither of us can pinpoint who. Anybody else see a strong resemblance to .......????

[Jeeters]

I guess you're also the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Shrek. It was featured quite prominently there.I knew the song already. And I've seen Shrek. But I don't remember the song being in Shrek at all. Just sayin'.

[wprager]

I knew the song already. And I've seen Shrek. But I don't remember the song being in Shrek at all. Just sayin'.

A very touching scene and the song really, really fits well there. I remember hearing the song the first time (don't even remember when) and when it foes "...the fourth, the fifth, the minor drop and the major lift" I said, "Whoa! I bet that's exactly the chord progression, and it had to be a *musician* that wrote it". Love that part. Apparently Cohen wrote 15 verses! Some of them could never be used in a family movie.

[brettatk]

I guess you're also the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Shrek. It was featured quite prominently there.

Make that two people who have never seen Shrek.

[marksman]

Menard and Johns were the two worst for me.

Clearly not singing Johns is better than the way over the top punch him in the face to shut up Danny. But in terms of actually having a singing voice, it is flip flopped. I know there is no way Michael Johns will go before Danny, but at this point he should, because he can't sing. He scream shouts everything, and his voice has no tone at all.

After Luke and Michael, I would say Danny and Chikeze were the next two in the bottom 4.

[Einselen]

Menard and Johns were the two worst for me.

Clearly not singing Johns is better than the way over the top punch him in the face to shut up Danny. But in terms of actually having a singing voice, it is flip flopped. I know there is no way Michael Johns will go before Danny, but at this point he should, because he can't sing. He scream shouts everything, and his voice has no tone at all.

After Luke and Michael, I would say Danny and Chikeze were the next two in the bottom 4.

Johns was amazing in Hollywood so I think people are waiting for that moment again (maybe he just practiced Bohemian Rhapsody just to break it out at the right time to get pushed far on that). Danny just needs to go as I never really saw what the judges did and he would be too much of a drama queen if he ever made it (which I don't think he would)

[Jebberwocky!]

Make that two people who have never seen Shrek.

three :)

I liked Danny's version of Tainted Love - kind of a Marilyn Manson version. But I really don't like him to advance, just liked this performance.

I thought David A performance was one of the best in AI history, apparently I stand alone in that thought ;)

If I was sending them home it would be bye bye Luke and Chiekeze.

I also loved Castro's Hallelujah - I could listen to that a few more times - not that familiar with the original but I could see tiring of it after too many listens.

[Cearbhaill]

I was confused about this as well...I was thinking it would have been a great opportunity for Michael to do an INXS song, but he chose Simple Minds. And then Randy pulls that one out, and I was like... "?"

Randy should just stop with the Hutchence comparisons. Michael Hutchence could outsing this Morrison impersonator right now today, decay and all.
Michael Johns had promise in the auditions, yes, but he has totally never delivered anything interesting come showtime.

Loved Castro- But as I said on another board Daffy Duck could sing that song and I would crumble. Jason is just so pretty!

I like our other Dictator, Queen Noriega, very much but I like sass. Another one whose audition clips were way better than his show performances.

I don't like David Cook and I don't like that song, but it was good. I was very pleased to see that he had bathed. The removal of he facial fuzz did him good.

Baby David- meh. As were the rest of the also rans.

What was Luke Menard thinking?

Why was Simon so crabby?

And Pauler was off the rocks wacked out.

[Einselen]

Oh and for peets sake change that table or get the sound guys to fix the mics, have the judges use wireless mics if needed. Simon would tap the table and it sounded like freaking drums. It is getting annoying to me.

[jlb]

Luke should have sung Footloose.

I liked Hallelujah.

I voted for Jason and MJ.



As with 70's week, why did nobody sing a STYX song?

[Einselen]

As with 80's week, why did nobody sing a STYX song?

FYP

[Philly Bill]

I *was* surprised to hear David Hernandez singing "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" since we do all know and love it from Celine Dion in the 90's. But indeed, as firerose818 alluded to, Jim Steinman wrote it in the 80's and instead of saving it for Meat Loaf he put it on his '89 Pandora's Box concept album "Original Sin." Meat Loaf did end up releasing it at the end of 2006

I didn't think of Celine Dion at all. As soon as he started singing I thought 'Hey this is a Meatloaf song'.

I guess you're also the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Shrek. It was featured quite prominently there.

I've seen Shrek (I). I think I have it on DVD here too. I don't recall hearing it there. I guess it isn't a very memorable song to me. Randy and Simon fell all over it as one of their most favorite songs though.

I think that Little David is good. If he doesn't win it all he'll be a star anyway.

[GDG76]

A little help please. Every time my wife & I see David Hernandez we comment on how much he looks just like a tv actor, but neither of us can pinpoint who. Anybody else see a strong resemblance to .......????

Sure you don't frequent strip clubs? :) ;)

He looks like Alvarez from Oz.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009716/

[ADG]

Sure you don't frequent strip clubs? :) ;)

He looks like Alvarez from Oz.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009716/

Kirk Acevedo - absolutely - thanks so much!!! Should have thought of Oz right off the bat - all those actors are all over the place now :)

[danterner]

I was confused about this as well...I was thinking it would have been a great opportunity for Michael to do an INXS song, but he chose Simple Minds. And then Randy pulls that one out, and I was like... "?"

Thought I was going crazy, there. When Randy said that I looked at my wife and said "that was Simple Minds, not INXS, right?" She looked at me and said "Dawg. It's Randy. I'm sure he KNOWS." Made me question myself.

Right when David Hernandez finished singing, I'm pretty sure I heard Simon in the background saying "that's the stripper?"

[AJRitz]

You'd get no fight from me for an opinion!

Archuleta is taking risks by choosing "favorite" and popular songs that most people would steer clear from because of the public's love of the original. whether you like him or not, you have to admire the courage to do this. I absolutely love Lennon and Collins, but I have to admit that, maybe not even close to being as good as the original, he did a good job of making both songs his own. If this show is about taking chances, he has to get props, dawg.

He is slightly in danger, however, of becoming obnoxious.
I figured out last night part of what is annoying me about Archuleta's way of making those favorites "his". He screws up tempo and phrasing, not for emotional impact, but to protect his voice. I suspect this has something to do with the vocal chord problem that he's had. There are only certain parts of his breathing cycle during which he can stretch for notes - so he has to adjust the timing of the song to his voice, rather than vice-versa. It really hit home to me with the Phil Collins song tonight. It's already a slow song, but when Collins sings it it's more of a "haunting" slow. Archuleta turned it into a frakking dirge.

[MickeS]

No kidding. With all the 80s songs to choose from, they picked THOSE?

There must be some severe restrictions on what they can use - it's the only way I can explain it.

[ADG]

There must be some severe restrictions on what they can use - it's the only way I can explain it.

Sure. They are given a list songs from which they can choose. That's why you've never heard any Beatle's - AI couldn't get releases before this year (they just did get them).

[GDG76]

There must be some severe restrictions on what they can use - it's the only way I can explain it.

Which makes the whole "You picked the wrong song" criticisms a load of horsecrap.

[MickeS]

Thought I was going crazy, there. When Randy said that I looked at my wife and said "that was Simple Minds, not INXS, right?" She looked at me and said "Dawg. It's Randy. I'm sure he KNOWS." Made me question myself.

It didn't seem to me that Randy implied it was an INXS song, it just seemed like he made another dumb and pointless comparison to Michael Hutchence only because he too was from Australia.

[ADG]

Which makes the whole "You picked the wrong song" criticisms a load of horsecrap.

Not completely. They have a fairly large selection from which to choose.

[MickeS]

Sure. They are given a list songs from which they can choose. That's why you've never heard any Beetle's - AI couldn't get releases before this year (they just did get them).

I asked about this in another thread... I don't understand these restrictions. Someone said it might be because of the rights to sell them on iTunes, which is the only good reason I can think of. It's not like you need permission to do a cover of a song. Maybe it's what the band can play?

[jradosh]

I just loved how they were making fun of Simon's strange moose-antler gesture. :p

[ADG]

I asked about this in another thread... I don't understand these restrictions. Someone said it might be because of the rights to sell them on iTunes, which is the only good reason I can think of. It's not like you need permission to do a cover of a song. Maybe it's what the band can play?

Guess it's a copywrite thing - apparently there have been a couple of Beatle's songs in the past: http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-sixth-season-might-feature-beatles-themed-week-4567.php

[AJRitz]

I asked about this in another thread... I don't understand these restrictions. Someone said it might be because of the rights to sell them on iTunes, which is the only good reason I can think of. It's not like you need permission to do a cover of a song. Maybe it's what the band can play?

I haven't heard them talk specifically about the "songbook" since they got to the top 24 stage, but one of the competitors (I don't remember who) did talk a bit about the songbook when they first got to Hollywood. IIRC, the competitor said there was a songbook for them to choose from that had about 200 songs in it - and that was for a larger group and without a limiting theme.

[thudtrain]

Right when David Hernandez finished singing, I'm pretty sure I heard Simon in the background saying "that's the stripper?"

I definitely heard the word stripper come through one of the judge's mics after that song. Pretty sure it was Simon. I picked up on it the first time but then forgot about it, then we watched it again (wife has a thing for him, even more now that she knows he was a stripper :) ) and I heard it again.

Of course I watched David Cook's song three times, so maybe I have a thing for him :o

[kh92463]

I love Archuleta but agree that he needs something more up tempo.
I thought David Cook was the best of the night.
Luke Menard needs to go...
I find Danjaya quite annoying
Paula seems to say the same thing about everyone - that they are some kind of "shining star" or "bright light" and she never completes a sentence.

[jradford]

Luke and Danny should go, but I'm very worried for MJ. If he doesn't go this week, it won't be long. Now that some of the riff-raff has been dismissed, he's going to have a hard time getting by on looks alone.

[wprager]

Sure. They are given a list songs from which they can choose. That's why you've never heard any Beatle's - AI couldn't get releases before this year (they just did get them).

Sorry for nit-picking, but it's the Lennon/McCartney library they didn't have permissions for. They've done "Beatles" songs, as long as they were the ones penned by Harrison or Starr. Off the top of my head I can only think of "Something" done by Taylor, but I'm sure there have been others.

[Lori]

They have said in the past that there are severe restrictions on what they can use. On "Broadway" week, in whatever that Carrie Underwood season was, I was stunned when Constantine, who played Roger in Rent in some production or other, didnt' sing "One Song Glory", a song that he, presumably, could have hit out of the park. Guess they didn't have "Rent" clearance. :)

On last night:

Baby David just makes me smile. It wasn't as good as last week, but he still makes me want to vote for him. I didn't cause I am rarely so moved that I will actually go get a phone, but still. I wanted to.

I also liked Stripper David last night--and what *was* that comment that Simon made as the song was ending? I think that they brought his mic up early, cause I also distinctly heard the word stripper.

And I liked Rocker David. That version of Hello was "contemp'ry", as Grumpy Simon would say.

I didn't really like the others. Jason Castro is pretty, but that song was not a good fit for him. Michael Johns must have put something in the judges' coca cola cups, because that was abysmal. Pitchy. Shaky. Not good. Luke Menard is pretty, but when he sings I want to hit him. Falsetto went out in the 70s, dude. Oh, that's your actual voice? Crap. :)

Um...Danny. Oh, Danny, Danny. You know, he can sing, but he's just so annoying. Stand there and sing a damn song. You are not Elvis, or Freddie Mercury, or Mick Jagger. You're just some annoying little teenager who thinks that he has this massive attitude. Dude. Just sing.

And I don't like Chikeze. I don't know why.

So. Bye to Danny and Luke.

[madscientist]

I asked about this in another thread... I don't understand these restrictions. Someone said it might be because of the rights to sell them on iTunes, which is the only good reason I can think of. It's not like you need permission to do a cover of a song. Maybe it's what the band can play?Seems like this comes up every season. You don't need permission to cover a song when you're singing in a club. But you DO absolutely need permission to perform a song on TV. At least that's the way I remember it being explained last time. Did you ever see that episode of Sports Night where Danny gets in trouble for singing "Happy Birthday" on the air? The network has to pay copyright dues and fines for not getting permission first.

It's definitely NOT all the band can play :p

[wprager]

I love Archuleta but agree that he needs something more up tempo.
I thought David Cook was the best of the night.
Luke Menard needs to go...
I find Danjaya quite annoying
Paula seems to say the same thing about everyone - that they are some kind of "shining star" or "bright light" and she never completes a sentence.

She completed a few sentences ... she just had trouble completing a thought. She was quite annoying last night. Could we have one week when we get to vote for the judges? It's been, what, six-seven years now? Time for some "new blood" (and I don't mean Olivia Newton John guesting during the auditions).

[Einselen]

Falsetto went out in the 70s, dude.

It did? In chorus back in HS (which was def way after the 70s) they taught us how to sing falsetto. Odd too as our choir was one of the top in the state.

[Stone1717]

Right when David Hernandez finished singing, I'm pretty sure I heard Simon in the background saying "that's the stripper?"

I definitely heard the word "stripper" from Simon after the song was over...couldn't make out the whole thing though.

I think David heard it as well, because he looked absolutely terrified by the fact that somone might bring it up during the critique :)

[wprager]

Seems like this comes up every season. You don't need permission to cover a song when you're singing in a club. But you DO absolutely need permission to perform a song on TV. At least that's the way I remember it being explained last time. Did you ever see that episode of Sports Night where Danny gets in trouble for singing "Happy Birthday" on the air? The network has to pay copyright dues and fines for not getting permission first.

It's definitely NOT all the band can play :p

I think the comment about what the band "can" play was alluding to them being in a union, and there being strict rules about breaking ranks or whatever you want to call it. That band can play anything!

[jpwoof]

from zaba, result spoilers below:


Chikeze and Luke got the fewest text and phone votes after the March 4 performance show.

David Archuleta got almost as many phone and text votes after the Feb 26 performance show as all the other contestants combined.

He is by far the most popular contestant this early in the competition in the history of American Idol.

[TAsunder]

I guess they couldn't get any Cure, Depeche Mode, or Cars songs. Or Madonna (for Danny N). 80's night without any of those is ludicrous.

Danny Noriega needs to stop prancing around and shaking his hips like a female stripper. If he's going to prance like a woman, talk like a woman, and get his hair styled like a woman the least he could do is actually dress like a woman.

[jpwoof]

Danny N. will not go home tonight I think since votefortheworst.com has his back.

[JFriday]

Why was Simon so crabby?

And Pauler was off the rocks wacked out.

I think that's why he was crabby, he looked really irritated at the end when Paula stood up and almost fell down. He actually sat her down and held her arm to keep her down. She was clearly out of it and I don't think he was happy about it.

If Danny gets voted out he still might have a future as a female impersonator, he is so fem.

[JakeyB]

I've seen Shrek (I). I think I have it on DVD here too. I don't recall hearing it there. I guess it isn't a very memorable song to me. Randy and Simon fell all over it as one of their most favorite songs though.

I also own Shrek and this song didn't ring a bell to me at all. Probably been 5 years since I've seen it though.

[Havana Brown]

I agree, Luke and Danny were the worst. I can't stand the way Danny acts. Get him off my screen.

I thought John Michaels wasn't all that.

I loooved David Cook. I'm sure Nicole Richie's boyfriend is kicking himself for not having done that song before.

I think David Archuleta should have waited to use that song on the "Idol GIves Back" night. I did think that "he made it his own." Someone please shoot me next time I use that phrase.

Jason Castro is probably my favorite, but didn't think his performance was all that great. I guess I don't think 80's when I hear that song. I think it would have been more appropriate another time.

[danielhart]

Obviously not so many true Shrek fans here! We even own the soundtrack... it's actually quite a fun set of songs. Hallelujah is one of my favorites. I actually prefer the Wainwright cover (the one on the Shrek soundtrack) over the Buckley version, although the latter is the one everyone usually talks about. Maybe I've just heard the Wainwright version so often that it's how I think the song "should" sound.


For me the definitive version of Hallelujah is one by K.D. Lang on the KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic "The Covers Project" CD. There are a few versions of her performing it on Youtube - but they are not her best. The one on the CD is friggin' amazing.

[dba62]

I think that's why he was crabby, he looked really irritated at the end when Paula stood up and almost fell down. He actually sat her down and held her arm to keep her down. She was clearly out of it and I don't think he was happy about it.


I totally agree. Paula was out of her mind and Simon was not happy about it.

I think Luke and Danny are gone.

[Havana Brown]

I finally caught up in reading all the posts and boy are you all snarky and funny! :D

[debtoine]

Last night was pretty forgettable for me.

According to dialidol.com:

Michael, Stripper David and Luke have the lowest dial idol scores, however, numerically, Michael is only a tenth of a dial idol point behind Jacuzzi (tm).

I wouldn't miss any of them, and I still can't see the huge fanfare for the Aussie. I also agree that Randy made a huge faux pas last night, and I wonder who got to point it out to him and if he'll comment on his mistake.

deb

[robbhimself]

I also agree that Randy made a huge faux pas last night, and I wonder who got to point it out to him and if he'll comment on his mistake.

which faux pas was that? also, pretty safe to say luke is out..

[debtoine]

which faux pas was that? also, pretty safe to say luke is out..

His comment on Michael Johns' song choice. As noted above the song wasn't INXS, it was Simple Minds, who are NOT from Australia.

deb

[robbhimself]

ahh.. thank you.. i do remember that now

[danterner]

His comment on Michael Johns' song choice. As noted above the song wasn't INXS, it was Simple Minds, who are NOT from Australia.

deb

That, and the fact that he was wearing no pants.


:eek:

[dmlove51]

Didn't any of you watch The O.C.? Hallelujah was memorably used on that show. I liked the new rendition.

My picks to stay - David Cook and David Hernandez. My picks to go - Luke (same old same old), Sanjaya-like guy (what's his name?). The rest - meh. As for David Archuleta, very nice voice, but he's got to do something more up-tempo. It was pretty boring.

[ThePennyDropped]

Didn't any of you watch The O.C.? Hallelujah was memorably used on that show. I liked the new rendition.

It was also used quite memorably in the episode of The West Wing about CJ and her Secret Service bodyguard.

--Debbie

[bruinfan]

I, for one, think all of the performances (except for danny) were pretty good. Luke should leave, cuz he's the worst of the 7.

I like chikezie... i think he has a nice luther vandross type voice. but he should have the producers put in a special effect for him at the end of his songs where his teeth or eye does a little sparkle. i think the cheese will do him in ultimately.

danny is becoming a little full of himself... he's letting his 15 min of fame get to his head. he's turned himself into the diva of the boys... and he loves it. He is so annoying to look at!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like the entire top 6 guys (i'm putting danny and luke out of it). They should form a group... but not a boy band group... just go on tour and take turns covering songs... and they can do duets and group ensembles and the such... and they can get kristy lee and kady and amy davis(i don't care that she's gone) to dance for them in bikinis.

I'd pay money to see that.

[JohnB1000]

You absolutely do need permission to do a cover. Even a local bar has to have permission for a cover band (or even to play the radio for that matter).

Falsetto is definitely not out, you just gotta listen to more songs.

I was ready with my Kirk Acevado answer but someone beat me to it. I actually thought it was him at one point.

Paula was awful, for a change I watched the whole performances and FF her.

[MickeS]

You absolutely do need permission to do a cover. Even a local bar has to have permission for a cover band (or even to play the radio for that matter).

Hmm... are you sure? I've never heard of that before. I know you have to pay royalties, but I've never heard of having to have permission.

[JohnB1000]

You are correct, at least for a bar etc, you have to list the songs you've played and pay the appropriate fees to Harry Fox :)

I am guessing though that having the song performed to xx million people might make things different, we've also heard cases of artists not letting their songs be covered by others so I guess we just don't really know

JB (always ready to admit when he's wrong :()

[TonyTheTiger]

You are correct, at least for a bar etc, you have to list the songs you've played and pay the appropriate fees to Harry Fox :)

I am guessing though that having the song performed to xx million people might make things different, we've also heard cases of artists not letting their songs be covered by others so I guess we just don't really know

JB (always ready to admit when he's wrong :()

This is true - remember the great Kelly Clarkson debacle of a year or two ago? There are many artists you just never hear because of clearance issues, which also applies to the audition rounds.

[Cainebj]

Randy has said in the past that Michael Johns has a Michael Hutchence vibe, so he may in fact know that that was not an INXS song (although I have to say that when it started I "thought" he was about to do an INXS song.)

I believe (but could be wrong) that bars and clubs have to sign some deal with ASCAP or BMI or both.

[jpwoof]

scandalous?

http://www.celebtv.com/Headlines.aspx?NewsGuid=ae0c7e88-e933-4528-8ba2-233307fcc4c6

http://youtube.com/watch?v=V-LVm9j92Sc

[marksman]

One thing that is really annoying me about David Archuleta is that he is constantly licking his lips while singing. This past week he only did it a few times, but previously he did it a lot more, but I find it amazingly distracting watching him sing.

I still like him a lot, but this little thing is driving me nuts.

[Einselen]

scandalous?

http://www.celebtv.com/Headlines.aspx?NewsGuid=ae0c7e88-e933-4528-8ba2-233307fcc4c6

http://youtube.com/watch?v=V-LVm9j92Sc

I love it. Don't people learn to make their Facebook and Myspace pages private? Sure things can leak from your "friends" but not as likely. Goth, haha didn't he mention that this week or possibly last week?

[marksman]

Here is a little blurb that explains some clearance issues they had in Hollywood week and the semi-finals.

http://idolphilippines.blogspot.com/2008/02/song-clearance-issues-cost-american.html

I was not aware that artists were nixing the use of their songs on a case-by-case basis.

[Cainebj]

scandalous?

http://www.celebtv.com/Headlines.aspx?NewsGuid=ae0c7e88-e933-4528-8ba2-233307fcc4c6

http://youtube.com/watch?v=V-LVm9j92Sc

Not scandalous.

Slow news day?

[Jebberwocky!]

anyone care to give a small summary of what the "scandal" is.

can't access links at work

[MickeS]

anyone care to give a small summary of what the "scandal" is.

can't access links at work

Seems to be some party pictures of the little Filipino(?) girl, and Danny Noriega saying a profanity-filled Christmas greeting on YouTube. Nothing earth shattering.

[Jebberwocky!]

Seems to be some party pictures of the little Filipino(?) girl, and Danny Noriega saying a profanity-filled Christmas greeting on YouTube. Nothing earth shattering.

roger that

[jradosh]

Seems to be some party pictures of the little Filipino(?) girl, and Danny Noriega saying a profanity-filled Christmas greeting on YouTube. Nothing earth shattering.

Nothing "earth shattering", but a teenage (or thereabouts) girl grabbing another's breasts (albiet under clothing) is hot. :D

The Noriega thing... well it's just bizarre. His make up and "f&ck you" attitude were totally unappealing.

[Einselen]

Nothing "earth shattering", but a teenage (or thereabouts) girl grabbing another's breasts (albiet under clothing) is hot. :D


Careful there, that is borderline pedophilia (she is 20 BTW and I doubt the pictures are over 3 years old) but you do not know how old the other girl is.

[DevdogAZ]

Careful there, that is borderline pedophilia (she is 20 BTW and I doubt the pictures are over 3 years old) but you do not know how old the other girl is.

You can't be serious. :rolleyes:

[ADG]

scandalous?

http://www.celebtv.com/Headlines.aspx?NewsGuid=ae0c7e88-e933-4528-8ba2-233307fcc4c6

http://youtube.com/watch?v=V-LVm9j92Sc

She's 20 years old for crying out loud. I'd hate for a lot of stuff I did at that age (or a lot of OTHER ages for that matter ;) ) to be commented on. The only thing I don't get is why kids put this stuff up for the world to see. Then again, it's their choice.

[Einselen]

You can't be serious. :rolleyes:

Not 100% but you do have to be careful especially now that AI has allowed people to audition 16 and up (I think it was 18 at one point wasn't it?). As long as you look and like but don't touch then you are all ok :)

[Kamakzie]

You can't be serious. :rolleyes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp75i4BW3ic&feature=related

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[JETarpon]

Careful there, that is borderline pedophilia (she is 20 BTW and I doubt the pictures are over 3 years old) but you do not know how old the other girl is.

But the other girl is certainly not prepubescent, so it's not pedophilia.

[JohnB1000]

Commenting on a picture is pedophilia ??? Crap I'm gonna be in trouble.

[Einselen]

It is a failed joke. Move along.

[Lori]

According to Entertainment Tonight, Simon said "It's kind of hard for him to strip to that", referring to the song David Hernandez sang last night.:)

[Mr. Soze]

Can we get shut of Danny Noriega already. He's totally out of his depth.

[JETarpon]

Not yet. He'll make the final 12 first.

[TonyTheTiger]

Can we get shut of Danny Noriega already. He's totally out of his depth.

I wish, but I think Danjaya's with us for a little while longer.

[Marc]

I really, really liked David Archuleta's performance. I've watched it several times already. It's the only one I've heard thus far that I'm thinking about buying on iTunes. I'm hoping that they made a studio version of the full song for iTunes, because if it's just the 1' 30" version, I'd be quite disappointed.

[MarkofT]

Oh and for peets sake change that table or get the sound guys to fix the mics, have the judges use wireless mics if needed. Simon would tap the table and it sounded like freaking drums. It is getting annoying to me.The problem isn't with the table. The problem is they are bring up the judge's mics wayyyy to early. They need to wait for the crowd to settle down before they turn them on.

[TiVoCrastinator]

One thing that is really annoying me about David Archuleta is that he is constantly licking his lips while singing. This past week he only did it a few times, but previously he did it a lot more, but I find it amazingly distracting watching him sing.

I still like him a lot, but this little thing is driving me nuts.
+1 I said he looks like a lizard last week. You're not the only one who finds it distracting.

[Roadblock]

If it's not Luke Menard and Danny, then the voters deserve what they get...

Ugggh...Danjaya needs to be out of there.

It wouldn't be AI without an inexplicably popular, awful singer, so Noriega seems destined to continue on. I guess people like his confidence, or "sass", but I don't understand why. He's talentless and obnoxious.

I guess you're also the only person on the planet who hasn't seen Shrek. It was featured quite prominently there.

+1 who has seen Shrek and didn't remember that song.

Menard and Johns were the two worst for me.

Clearly not singing Johns is better than the way over the top punch him in the face to shut up Danny. But in terms of actually having a singing voice, it is flip flopped. I know there is no way Michael Johns will go before Danny, but at this point he should, because he can't sing. He scream shouts everything, and his voice has no tone at all.

I couldn't possibly disagree with you more.

And Pauler was off the rocks wacked out.
Paula was awful, for a change I watched the whole performances and FF her.

Pauler is fast-forward material every time. She can't even get out a single, coherent thought.

And I don't like Chikeze. I don't know why.

Because he's black, huh? Just kidding. He's a pretty cheesy performer. I like him a whole lot more than Noriega, but I think Luke and Chikeze are going home this week.

One thing that is really annoying me about David Archuleta is that he is constantly licking his lips while singing. This past week he only did it a few times, but previously he did it a lot more, but I find it amazingly distracting watching him sing.

I still like him a lot, but this little thing is driving me nuts.

+1 I said he looks like a lizard last week. You're not the only one who finds it distracting.

+1. No one's ever told him how annoying that is?

[LoadStar]

And I don't like Chikeze. I don't know why.

He's a pretty cheesy performer.

That's it in a nutshell. To me, he still seems like the second coming of Wayne Brady... cheese, and not even good cheese. We're talking the powdered cheese you get with Kraft Mac & Cheese. Just as with Wayne, Chikeze can sing pretty well... but it's a lounge lizard like performance.

[aindik]

The first time I heard "Hallelujah" was when Bon Jovi covered it at their MTV Unplugged from a little less than a year ago. Their version (hardly "they," really mostly Jon) was really really good, and it sounded like David Castro was trying to emulate it. The Bon Jovi version was so good that it became one of my wife's favorite songs. Castro's version paled in comparision.

A person with whom I watched the show said he'd heard the rock/emo version of "Hello" before. This could be a case of what Chris Daughtry did on the show - finding lesser known rock covers of songs that fit the night's genre, copying them, and then taking credit for the arrangement (or, at least, not denying it when congratulated for the arrangement) when the judges never heard the cover.

I also think David Cook looks like Chris Burke, mean as that might be to say (though, I'm not sure to whom).

As for the clearance issues, there are differences in the law between doing a cover in concert or on a CD (no permission needed so long as the song has already been recorded and released, but statutory royalties must be paid) and on TV or in a movie or a music video (video synchronization requires permission from the copyright holder).

[Marc]

I notice that iTunes doesn't have David Cook's performance of "Hello" available for purchase. I guess there's a clearance issue there as well.

[Fleegle]

I notice that iTunes doesn't have David Cook's performance of "Hello" available for purchase. I guess there's a clearance issue there as well.

That's a shame. It's the only one I'd consider actually purchasing. AWESOME version of a horrible cheesy song.

[Cainebj]

It wouldn't be AI without an inexplicably popular, awful singer, so Noriega seems destined to continue on. I guess people like his confidence, or "sass", but I don't understand why. He's talentless and obnoxious.

I think you are wrong there - yes, he is obnoxious in a sassy kind of way - but the kid CAN sing. That's the difference between Danny and Sanjaya - Sanjaya was a personality train wreck with a bad voice - Danny is a personality train wreck WITH a good voice.

Besides which - sometimes he's kinda funny - like when Ryan said he didn't notice the purple streaks in his hair and he just said "Hmmmm mmmmmm."

[Jebberwocky!]

That's a shame. It's the only one I'd consider actually purchasing. AWESOME version of a horrible cheesy song.

What did he sing again? :)

[bruinfan]

Besides which - sometimes he's kinda funny - like when Ryan said he didn't notice the purple streaks in his hair and he just said "Hmmmm mmmmmm."

funny, as in laughing AT him, not with him

[MacThor]

Since the boys are better (as a whole) than the girls this year, why not eliminate 3 girls and 1 boy, and let Danny sing on Wednesday night to balance it out? :)

[Fleegle]

What did he sing again? :)

Hello, by Lionel Ritchie.

[Marc]

That's a shame. It's the only one I'd consider actually purchasing. AWESOME version of a horrible cheesy song.
David Cook's performance of "Hello" is now available on iTunes. I don't know why it was delayed, perhaps due to some sort of legal or technical mishap, but I guess it's all okay now.

[Roadblock]

That's it in a nutshell. To me, he still seems like the second coming of Wayne Brady... cheese, and not even good cheese. We're talking the powdered cheese you get with Kraft Mac & Cheese. Just as with Wayne, Chikeze can sing pretty well... but it's a lounge lizard like performance.

Hey, Wayne Brady is a talented guy. I've seen him do standup, and he was good on Whose Line is it Anyway? Chikeze is just a soon-to-be-failed American Idol contestant. I don't see the comparison.

[LoadStar]

Hey, Wayne Brady is a talented guy. I've seen him do standup, and he was good on Whose Line is it Anyway? Chikeze is just a soon-to-be-failed American Idol contestant. I don't see the comparison.

Watch him sometime on FOX's "Don't Forget The Lyrics."

[bruinfan]

Watch him sometime on FOX's "Don't Forget The Lyrics."
and his talk show was unwatchable