
This is gonna be a short one, because the outcome is simple – Little Lacey Brown, let go because America apparently wasn’t thrilled with her version of “Ruby Tuesday.” For she did not change with every new day, and they’re not going to miss you.
I love when the theme provides you with a nifty way to sing people off the show.
I’m not all that sorry Lacey’s gone, although I thought that Andrew was gonna feel the fierce bump of the boot first. If he doesn’t get better, he’ll be following soon enough. I will note that I loved Simon’s trying to get serious with Seacrest about the weird uncomfortable moment between them Tuesday night when Seacrest got in Simon’s face about his criticism of Big Mike. Simon was totally right – it was uncalled for, crossed the line between host and judge, made the poor kid uncomfortable, and just ate up all the air time.
Then again, they’ve been pulling that crap for years, so why Simon suddenly tired of it now and started acting like he’s never been a party to any of these little squabbles is beyond me. Don’t get all superior now, Captain Judgery. I mean, you’re right. But changing the game and trying to shame Seacrest when he doesn’t appear to have gotten the memo is odd. I hope it ends here, because we’ve got 11 more people to get rid of, and it’s gonna be a looooong season if this keeps up.
BTW: Psst, kids. That guy David Cook who won two years ago? You see him do ”Jumping Jack Flash?” That’s how you do a cover – confident, fun, engaged and in tune. That’s what you wanna shoot for. Thing is, he was that good while he was a contestant, and almost none of you are. That’s a problem.





Heck yeh, that’s how you do a cover! Cook and company rocked the place — “it’s alright now” with me if they come back every week.
LOVE your write up. ESPECIALLY your BTW. I saw the whole process David Cook went through, and that boy was meant to be a TRUE musician/frontman/songwriter and all-around heartbreaker. I was one of the original fans from AI for him (The Word Nerds) and I STILL proudly wear that title!!
David, Andy, Neal, Kyle and Monty just ripped it up…I can’t WAIT for the iTunes single!! Predictably, there will be no video of that INCREDIBLE performance..so, youtube, prepare for a website crash. We’re Word Nerds, we sing, we dance, we break things!!!
Proud Word Nerd #518!!
Wow! David Cook was great!
Was there an elimination show tonight? After David Cook performed I lost all consciousness. That man is amazing. Now that is how you rock out to the Stones! Brilliant performance. That man is a rockstar! These contestants better step up their game. Yes, David was THAT phenomenal while on the show as a contestant.
That is how a real idol rocks!! At this point in his season Mr. Cook had already done Hello and was ready to pull out Billie Jean. This season needs to step it up! David Cook and the Anthemic just showed you how to do it. Give David props for putting together one kick ass band. Some from his old band and some new. Mr. Cook and crew- major props. Bottom 3 America got it right.
I was actually very pleased that Simon’s little hissy fit did not phase Seacrest. Simon can DISH IT OUT, but he’s NOT very good at taking it! Poor Simon. Regarding Lacey . . . she’s cute and sweet but I wasn’t sad to see her go.
I believe that Bowersox is gonna win this year. The rest of them all have some sort of ISSUE . . . whether it’s DORKY STAGE PRESENCE in the case of Big Mike, or the pitch problems and lack of originality . . with ALMOST everyone else except Siobhan Magnus except . . . she’s TOO WEIRD! Worst year ever . . . but CRYSTAL BOWERSOX ROCKS! Keep them dreads mama!
Cook schooled these 12 tonight. He was very good on season 7 and now; total rockstar. Performance restrained but rocked hard. My opinion is that he updated a classic without making it unrecognizalbe. His phrasing was perfect. His band tight is so tight, shows what touring for 10 months can do. Neal Tiemann on lead guitar is about the best around right now.
Back to contestants; no breakout performances yet. This was the week Cook did Eleanor Rigby and this group has had nothing even close to that. This group needs to up their game and quick.
David Cook….where have you been?! What a breath of fresh air to see someone who can actually rock the heck out of the Stones! Awesome!
Wow. Yeap. That was awesome. Clearly the best performer tonight. Like a million times better!
One look at Simon, and you could tell he was going thumbs down. Best to ya Lacey, you have a sweet voice.
NO, NO, NO! Lacey is awesome..yes, she’s a little theatrical, but she was trying to connect with her audience..I think she was great and VERY surprised that my prediction of BIG Glasses boy and NO personality boy didn’t leave. Paige did much better, so she deserves another chance. And I hope Crystal doesn’t cut off her dreadlocks..that’s part of her personality! Thank goodness her teeth look better though!
David Cook was the only thing that was good on Idol last night.
I did my homework before the show, I watched the original and tons of covers of JJF and to tell you the truth.. how on Earth did David Cook made it interesting and current? that’s the magic touch of the AI 7 winner and the guy who broke Idol, period.
Didn’t watch the show, but watched the David Cook performance on YouTube. The lead guitarist was excellent while Cook and the rest of the band were good. Overall, the Jumpin’ Jack Flash bit was really not that great – I’ve certainly seen better. You guys don’t get out much.
David Cook is more than amazing. He was gifted with the voice, but has put the work in to make it mean something. He can really come through at the right times. So glad the band got to showcase how good they are because they deserve it.
I’m not seeing actual star quality with anyone this year, except possibly Crystal…but she needs to step up her personality somewhat. A lot of people can sing, but the audience has to really like them…it takes charisma.
Cook and lead guitarist Neal Tiemann wrung more out of JJF than the tune deserved… without resorting to ear-coddling screams, ridiculous stage props, outlandish outfits or Indian headresses.
But that’s what won Cook the title. He certainly showed this year’s contestants how to take a 40-year old diddy (that was never that good to begin with) and, in just two days of work, create a ‘moment’ by showcasing the power, tonality and artistic style of your voice. Crystal gets it – but she’s the only one who has even come close to having the right stuff among this year’s crop of hopefuls.
OTOH, if the prancing headdress is where young music is headed, Siobhan is certainly marketable – perhaps moreso than Crystal.
Lacey was lucky to get into the top 12. So were Tim and Andrew, who will go soon, as will Paige if she can’t find her style.
This year isn’t a disaster – there’s some good competition. Will America idolize an authentic, salt-of-the earth folk singer, a pretty young thing with a decent enough voice but a whopper of a scream – or a dark horse, TBD?
The real question is, are any of them good enough to come back two years from now looking as polished, professional, confident and successful as the AI7 idol did last night?
Very interesting post thanks for writing it I have added your site to my favorites and will check back.
Just took “How well do you know Kelly Clarkson?” and got: Yeahh!!!