"There's a party atmosphere in the studio tonight" Ryan Seacrest says. Then he points out that we're all here because one person will go
home completely devastated. What a downer.
The top three perform "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" ... and you thought David Archuleta was too white bread for Chris Brown! Poor Archie. He's really, really nervous, and now I am too. Next up, "How Far Is Heaven" for Ford. The theme: each "Idol" 's vision of success. Syesha has a wall full of platinum records. David Archuleta has a grand piano in his yard. David Cook has a lot of cars. Dream bigger, kids!
Fantasia performs. While I can't understand what she's saying, I am with her all the way.
And now, your hometown visits!
David Archuleta goes to Utah, where he is attacked by high school cheerleaders. A billion people come out and cheer, and he cries and says "Gosh" a lot. It's pretty much the sweetest thing ever.
David ... we're not saying whether you are in or out, but let's run your goodbye reel just in case. (Yikes!)
Syesha Mercado goes home to Florida and someone throws their baby at her. She hangs with her lovely family, helicopters to a performance for a huge group of fans and also cries. (You would too.)
Syesha ... You will have to wait for it. In the meantime, watch your so-long montage!
David Cook's (very cute) brother Andrew, who also auditioned for "Idol," joins him on stage. We see the video of DC's trip home to Missouri, which features a ton of hysterical fourth graders, the Kansas City Royals and more crying.
David Cook ... time for your send-off video.
It's time for the elimination. Why am I so nervous?!
Randy says: You should be well proud of yourself. Paula says: The world is going to remember every single one of you. Simon says: I think we're going to have a real humdinger next week.
After 56 million votes were counted, the finalists are David Archuleta ... and ... David Cook.
Syesha thanks you for your support and sings her way out with a solid version of "If I Ain't Got You." What a pro. We don't expect to get much of a chance to miss her, as she will surely be cast in a musical as soon as that tour ends.
We're down to the final three, which leaves Syesha and the Davids to perform three songs a piece — one chosen by the judges, one picked by producers and one selected by the singer. That's a lot of songs, so without further ado we present each performance, our own Three-Word Verdict and a choice comment from the judges:
Judges' Choice
1.
David Archuleta: "And So It Goes" (Paula's pick) Three-word verdict: A capella interruptus. Paula says: "It was a pure and stunning performance."
2.
Syesha Mercado: "If I Ain't Got You" (Randy's pick) Three-word verdict: Great backup singers.
Randy says: "I'm so happy that you're peaking at the right time."
3.
David Cook: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (Simon's pick) Three-word verdict: Exactly as expected. Simon says: "Round one goes to Cook and Cowell."
Contestants' Choice
1.
David Archuleta: "With You" Three-word verdict: Too Pat Boone-y.
Simon says: "It was a little like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger."
2.
Syesha Mercado: "Fever" Three-word verdict: Not hot enough.
Paula says: "I'm not sure it showed me who Syesha is as an artist."
3.
David Cook: "Dare You to Move" Three-word verdict: Flat, then screechy. Randy says: "Little pitchy, baby."
Producers' Choice
1.
David Archuleta: "Longer" Three-word verdict: Not a duet. Paula says: "It was a lovely performance."
2.
Syesha Mercado: "Hit Me Up" Three-word verdict: That was cute.
Paula says: "I don't know if it's going to be good enough to get in the finals of 'American Idol.' "
3.
David Cook: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" Three-word verdict: Yep, he's in. Simon says: "David Cook wins the night."
What's your take on last night's performances? Did the producers make their preference clear? When even Paula says you're out, is there any chance for you? If comes down to a battle of the Davids, who will you back? Tell us about it!
Though it might feel like TV just came back (it did!) it's already finale season.
"Cold Case" and "Family Guy" have said goodbye for the summer. "30 Rock" and "Scrubs" sign off tonight (in the case of "Scrubs," forever — at least on that network). And there will be hearts broken, final roses given out and fortunes won next week when "Survivor," "America's Next Top Model," "Beauty and the Geek" and "The Bachelor" all crown their champs.
It's been a strange season of stops and starts, but letting go of our favorite shows is still a big deal.
Here is a list of the five finales we will be watching ... and why we're not sad to say "so long."
4."How I Met Your Mother" (5/19) Britney Spears is actually a good comedic actress. Wait, she's on the week before? Oh. Well, we still look forward to Neil Patrick magic.
3. "The Office" (5/15) We expect an engagement, but even if that doesn't happen, it's time for a reboot.
2. "Lost" (5/29) We'll need the summer to decode everything we've seen this season.
1. "American Idol" (5/21) Every year, someone proclaims that this is the worstseasonever, but we're starting to believe it this time.
Who will stand in the final three? Ryan Seacrest says nearly 51 million votes were cast. This crucial elimination show promises heartbreak and total devastation. Plus performances by Maroon 5 and Bo Bice.
And now, the group sing! "Reeling in the Years"? Really? Nice wordy pick for a group that clearly has some issues keeping lyrics straight. So how did they do, anyway? I was afraid to watch. Hey, it's Judge Judy!
Wow, it's already time to start separating the winners from the loser.
David Archuleta ... really wants to stop answering questions. Come ON, Ryan. Of course he is safe.
Before there are more verdicts, let's go on a trip with the Idols. This mainly consists of a fancy plane, a napping Jason, autographs, flashes, crazy fans, dolphins, David Cook's first manicure, "Love" and more autographs.
David Cook ... is on the receiving end of some Seacrest torture. And makes the final three.
Syesha Mercado and Jason Cook, come on out. There is an elimination-announcement fakeout. I'm almost fooled.
The Idols dress as matadors and sing a terrible version of "Ring of Fire." Sorry, that's been done.
Oh no. It's the phone calls from America segment. A Pittsburgh fan tries to hook up with Cook. A little girl asks a good question about overcoming challenges. Yay! No one answers it well. Boo! Simon Cowell sycophants demand that he be knighted, or at least star as James Bond. When will it end?
Maroon 5 performs, and Adam Levine tries to scare the contestants out of pursuing a career in music.
Bo Bice (or Bob Ice) takes the stage and needs a witness, apparently. He also does his part to frighten the "Idol" four.
And now, the greatest moment in "American Idol" history: Jason Castro, while suffering through Ryan Seacrest's comments about how terrible he was, says, "Somebody told me that I shot the Tambourine Man yesterday." That happened at 9:54PM, for your records.
On that note, America has decided that ... Syesha ... you're in the top three.
Jason has been dumped. His reaction? "It's been a pleasure." The best so-long reel in "Idol" history rolls, Ryan asks if Jason's relieved and he says, "A little. There's three songs next week. I don't know what I would've done."
Just when we think we will miss this fantastically entertaining man too much to go on, he reprises "I Shot the Sheriff" and makes the breakup much easier to take.
"American Idol" is down to the final four. "Tonight, you must vote," Ryan Seacrest insists. He doesn't say what will happen if you don't, but since I didn't pick up the phone, I keep looking skyward for falling meteorites.
This week, songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. Five hundred songs! With all of those choices, you've got to wonder what some of these people were thinking.
Did you miss the show? Catch up right here with all eight performances (two each!), plus The Monitor's Three-Word Verdict and choice comments from the judges.
1.
David Cook: "Hungry Like the Wolf" Three-word verdict: Learn the words! Paula says: "Your 'Hungry Like the Wolves' has left me with a big appetite."
Randy says: "You're showing the heat late in the competition when you need it."
3.
Jason Castro: "I Shot the Sheriff" Three-word verdict: Oh no. No. Simon says: "That was like a first round audition massacre."
4.
David Archuleta: "Stand By Me" Three-word verdict: Learn the melody! Simon says: "In the grand scheme of things, I am going to call that the best performance so far."
5.
David Cook: "Baba O'Reilly" Three-word verdict: Our Lady Who. Paula says: "I'm really humbled to sit here and watch your soul."
6.
Syesha Mercado: "A Change Is Gonna Come" Three-word verdict: Really bad arrangement. Paula says: "Welcome to your dream, Syesha. This is it for you."
7.
Jason Castro: "Mr. Tambourine Man" Three-word verdict: Total fiasco averted. Simon says: "Jason, I'd pack your suitcase."
8.
David Archuleta: "Love Me Tender"
Three-word verdict: Oh so gentle. Randy says: "You were so tender. You caressed each word."
Can Jason Castro recover from this mess? Now that Syesha has finally won over Simon Cowell, is she in for that long-threatened dismissal? Is there any way in the world that either David won't be in the final three? Share your reactions and predictions!
Ratings, shmatings. "Idol" viewers called in 45 million votes last night, Ryan Seacrest would like you to know. But first, a Neil Diamond tribute. Finally "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Song Sung Blue," by your "American Idol" final five. Well, at least now we know why they didn't do these when it counted. Yikes.
Ryan wants to take this moment to refute the gossip he's heard about Paula Abdul. "She's a part of our family and we love her." Uh, what? The only rumors I read were that the show is fixed or she has magical powers of future sight. Oh, or that she's a little loopy. But, come on, that's nothing new. Ryan's statement makes it sound like she's leaving the show or something. Seacrest, chill.
And now, the eliminations. (Yeah, right. We all know this is an hour show).
Jason Castro ... you're not leaving!
David Archuleta ... we love watching you squirm, but of course you are safe!
David Cook ... is totally blaming Paula if he's out. But he isn't!
Syesha Mercado and Brooke White, you are left in the bottom two. And there's 34 minutes left for you to sweat it out.
No such luck. But is Natasha Bedingfield really singing? It sounds very good. Of course she loves David Archuleta. I guess you have to be there to really appreciate how adorable he is.
Oh no! It's the question-and-answer part. Someone asks if Randy and Paula will make more videos together. Why? A woman who kissed Simon Cowell 37 years ago calls in to reminisce. He's so embarrassed he covers his face. So do we! Aww.
And now it's time to cover our ears as the "Idol" five sing "Catch the Wind" for Ford. No no no.
Neil Diamond, come on down! You're singing "Pretty Amazing Grace." Yes, it was pretty amazing. "What a gig," he says. "I get dressed up. People clap. I sing." The man is a national treasure.
Wow, that was so delightful that it slipped my mind that someone must go. And that someone is ... Brooke. Uh oh, the crying. I forgot about the crying! In her final song, she tries one last time to get the band to restart. Sorry, sister. Thosedays are over:
Brooke, we hate to see you go out like this, but you have taught us all a great lesson: Don't talk so much, and don't sing "I'm a Believer" in shiny bell-bottoms. We thank you, and we will miss you.
"American Idol" ratings are down, but we're still watching. After all, it's Neil Diamond week! The Monitor expects to hear some "Cracklin' Rosie," a little "Love on the Rocks," maybe a taste of "Play Me." Surely no one would be foolish enough to attempt "Sweet Caroline" or "I'm a Believer."
Oh, how wrong we can be.
Despite the questionable choices, Neil Diamond is a real cheerleader for these contestants. "Every artist needs encouragement," he says. What a champion. Less impressive were producers, who decided to make the contestants each perform one song without judging. Then, upon completion of the second song, the judges spoke. Way to confuse Paula Abdul.
Did you miss the show? You can catch up right here, with one performance from each "Idol" (we picked the better of the two to spare you) our Three-Word Verdicts (10 songs, 10 verdicts!) and our favorite comment from the judges.
1.
Jason Castro: A. "Forever In Blue Jeans" B. "September Morn" Three-word verdict: A. That's nice enough. B. He's so sincere. Simon says: "I don't know who this person is. Sorry!"
2.
David Cook: A. "I'm Alive" B. "All I Really Need Is You"
Three-word verdict: A. Bring back Phantom! B. Much better, mostly.
Paula says: "I feel like I'm already looking at the American Idol."
3.
Brooke White: A. "I'm a Believer" B. "I Am, I Said" Three-word verdict: A. Really? I'm incredulous. B. Not a nightmare. Simon says: "It wasn't incredible, but it was a million times better than the first song."
4.
David Archuleta: A. "Sweet Caroline" B. "America" Three-word verdict: A. Don't do that. B. Very theme park. Paula says: "I love you. You're brilliant. Have fun."
5.
Syesha Mercado: A. "Hello Again" B."Thank the Lord for the Night Time"
Three-word verdict: A. Technically fine. Boring. B. Jukebox musical Diamond. Simon says: "You're a good actress/singer. I think, however, you may be in trouble tonight."
Why would David Cook revert to that terrible hairdo? Why would Brooke White sing "I'm a Believer" (especially after this) and then say "no, it wasn't!" when Simon called it "a nightmare"? Why must I cry? Um, I mean, is Simon right about Syesha's trouble? Will Jason get a chance to get back to his mellow-dude roots? Is David Archuleta's singing smile grating on anyone else? Tell me something good.
On "American Idol" 's latest elimination show, the final six become the final five. But not fast enough!
First, your Idols (hey, Ryan Seacrest said it, not me) continue to salute Andrew Lloyd Webber with a group performance of "All I Ask of You." It's not good.
And now the news. Yay! No, not that news. The tour. July 1-September 13. 10 Idols. 49 cities. OK, fine.
Finally, we're about to ... talk with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Really? He thinks Brooke blew it. He is baffled by Jason. He's forced to make up Simon/Paula romance theme song titles. Bless.
And then ... the Idols become comic book characters and sing "Tainted Love" to sell cars. This looked pretty cool, but it didn't sound great.
You know what comes next. Meet the President and First Lady? Bingo!
Now we're talking: David Cook and David Archuleta, step on stage to learn your fate. Is the finale happening now? Will one of these two really go home? No, they are both safe. Of course.
We're itching to find out which of the remaining four are in the bottom two, but first we're dragged to Broadway, the home of many an ex-Idol. Tamyra Gray is in "Rent" and looks good. Clay Aiken is in "Spamalot" and looks old.
Sit tight, potential "Idol" losers. Let's listen to Leona Lewis. Singing "Beat It"? No, that's just how "Bleeding Love" begins, apparently.
Syesha Mercado and Brooke White, get out here so we can toss one of you in the bottom two. Syesha said she likes pretending to be someone else. Brooke says she knows that she talks back too much. Um, yeah. Ryan points out that the judges loved Syesha's performance and that Brooke choked. Brooke is safe. She apologizes to Syesha. See, she's talking again.
Carly Smithson and Jason Castro, you're on. Carly says she's having fun from here on out. We'll see about that. Jason says he doesn't want to sing right now. Ryan notes that Carly was wonderful and Jason was a train wreck. Can you see where this is going? Why yes, Jason is safe.
Carly sings "Superstar" again. Syesha sings "One Rock and Roll Too Many" again.
Ryan says, "It's time to put these two lovely ladies out of their misery." (Whoa. What kind of an elimination is this?)
Roommates Carly and Syesha have a hug-a-thon, and then Carly is really chipper about getting the boot. We feel bad about covering our ears when she screamed allthosetimes. Simon feels bad about liking her at all: "I apologize for giving you a compliment last night. Kiss of death."
Carly, Ryan will miss you (he said so). And yes, so will we.
Next up, Neil Diamond week. We've got dibs on "You Don't Bring Me Flowers."
It's Andrew Lloyd Webber week, which promises to be totally all weird. It's also Earth Day, and Ryan Seacrest announces that the "Idol" finale will be a green-powered affair. And you thought "Idol Gives Back" would be your only chance to feel good about watching this show.
OK, so "Idol" can be do good. But can it do musical theater? Who came out of his/her shell? Who said, "I didn't know a cat was singing it." Who stopped the show (literally, and not in a good way)? Who did a surprisingly spot-on Michael Crawford impersonation, mask not included?
If you don't know the answers, don't worry. Here's every performance, plus our Three-Word Verdict and favorite comment from the judges.
1.
Syesha Mercado: "One Rock and Roll Too Many" (Starlight Express) Three-word verdict: That's her best Simon says: "You showed mases of personality, which we haven't seen before."
2.
Jason Castro: "Memory" (Cats) Three-word verdict: Oh Sandy, baby!
Simon says: "It came over as a young guy being forced by your mum and dad to sing a song at a wedding you didn't want to sing."
3.
Brooke White: "You Must Love Me" (Evita) Three-word verdict: No do-overs! Simon says: "This is why I love live TV, it was so dramatic!"
4.
David Archuleta: "Think of Me" (The Phantom of the Opera) Three-word verdict: Lite-FM ready. Randy says: "Dude, it was the bomb. This boy's the one to beat!"
5.
Carly Smithson: "Superstar" (Jesus Christ Superstar) Three-word verdict: More yelling? Enough! Simon says: "It got a little shouty in the middle."
6.
David Cook: "Music of the Night" (The Phantom of the Opera) Three-word verdict: Straight up now?! Paula says: "You have a beautiful instrument."
Is David Cook a huge "Phantom" fan, or is The Nickelback of the Opera just too tough to pull off? Did you think for a second that Carly would really pick a song that didn't feature shouting? Should we be concerned that it was way too easy to get through on Jason Castro's vote line last night (so we've heard). Who's going home? Who should go home? What Andrew Lloyd Webber song would you attempt? Tell us all about it.
This week brought in a season-high 36 million votes, says Ryan Seacrest. But someone got the fewest. Who will go home? Wouldn't we like to know. Instead, let's watch the "Idol" contestants do weird choreography while destroying the devastating "One Sweet Day."
Don't make me suffer this alone:
And now, the results!
Jason Castro ... form a group to the left.
Oh no. They are going to do the painful "join the group you think you belong with" thing with the seventh contestant. I hate this part.
David Cook ... goes right.
Carly Smithson ... turns left.
Kristy Lee Cook ... takes a right.
You know what's creepy? "Idol" contestants hanging by strings singing "I Want to Break Free." Is this really an effective way to sell cars?
So that's David Cook, Kristy Lee and Brooke in one group. And Jason, Carly and Syesha in another. But wait, let's have David Cook and Syesha trade places. Yes, that's better. (Is it?)
Before we make David Archuleta pick a side (yuck!), it's America Grills "Idol" time. Callers get Simon to say that the first record he bought, at age 10, was Paula Abdul's "Straight Up." That's funny! Paula Abdul says "Forever Your Girl" is totally not her song for Simon. That's obvious! David Cook is single. That's, um, good to know?
Mariah Carey sings "Bye Bye," and she's wearing a short, black number with cut-out detailing. Whoa.
So, David Archuleta. (Ugh. Ugh! This is the worst!) Do you belong with Jason, Carly and David Cook, or with Brooke, Syesha and Kristy Lee? Young Mr. Archuleta pulls the Melinda Doolittle move and sits between the two groups rather than pick one. Good boy.
Of course, he's in the group with David, Jason ... and Carly? Syesha, Brooke and Kristy Lee hold on to each other and wait for the news.
Syesha ... is safe.
One tall blonde must go.
Randy says: "I don't know, man. I can't call this one." Paula says: "Every one of you are very, very special." Simon says: "No surprises. Maybe, Kristy, your time is up this week, sweetheart."
Brooke ... is safe.
America finally hands Kristy Lee her walking papers after one of her better performances of the season. She sends us off by singing right in front of, and to, Simon. He's mortified. It's delightful.
Thanks for the last laugh, Kristy Lee. We will miss you.
It's Mariah Carey week (the woman is everywhere)! So much for the judges' "Don't try to sing songs made for big voices" warnings.
What did we learn from this episode? Mariah is a very nice lady. David Archuleta is going to perform the heck out of whatever schmaltzy finale song America picks. And someone is a crybaby. (OK, maybe not that last one. Instead, someone is moved to tears by the judges' praise. It's kind of sweet.)
Too busy waiting in line at the post office to tune in? Here's every performance, plus our Three-Word Verdict and favorite Randy/Paula/Simon comment.
1.
David Archuleta: "When You Believe" Three-word verdict: He really believes. Randy says: "You can sing anything."
2.
Carly Smithson: "Without You" Three-word verdict: Without melody. Yikes.
Paula says: "You have to trust yourself."
3.
Syesha Mercado: "Vanishing" Three-word verdict: Good, then screamy. Paula says: "You're smart that you picked a song that not all people know."
4.
Brooke White: "Hero" Three-word verdict: Lost at sea. Paula says: "Every ounce of you is totally authentic to who you are."
5.
Kristy Lee Cook: "Forever" Three-word verdict: That was nice. Randy says: "I'm like blown away."
6.
David Cook:* "Always Be My Baby" Three-word verdict: Stalker undertones exposed. Randy says: "That was the most brilliant performance yet."
7.
Jason Castro: "I Don't Wanna Cry" Three-word verdict: Haunted, darker, interesting. Paula says: "I'd love to be at that luau, listening all night long"
*cried
Will Kristy wind up back in the bottom three? Is Carly's time up? What about Syesha? Is it even remotely possible that one of the guys will end up on the chopping block? And, more importantly, what will Mariah wear? Share your "Idol" opinions and predictions right here.
Though the past two Saturdays have kicked Sunday's butt when it comes to nice weather, Sundays-only Brooklyn Flea hasn't had trouble getting buyers to flock to its Fort Greene outdoor sale in the two weeks that it's been rolling.
Gawker Stalker mentions of Parker Posey aren't too exciting. There was a time when The Monitor couldn't go a week without running into her. What makes Friday's Stalker post exceptional is the benefit-of-the-doubt/to-each-her-own commentary on Posey's eye-makeup choices. "It looked like she'd been crying, but I think that's just how she wears her mascara."
Live from New York it's ... "The Mellow Show", this week's "SNL" sketch about really laid back musicians (Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, John Mayer) that totally overlooks Jason Castro? We're very disappointed.
Most intriguing subway poster spotted this morning: An ad for Street Games 2008, a April 26 event at Harlem's Jackie Robinson Park that promises to show you the right way to play stick ball, Skully and Red Light, Green Light once and for all.
Finally, it's elimination night. But first, "Idol" gives us a look back at Wednesday night's extravaganza. OK, that's fine. Now let's all sing a song about Jesus. Um, alright. And it's time for the painful "I'm a Believer" celebrity sing-along montage. Enough already.
AND now the business of eliminations. After 31 million votes:
Brooke White ... is safe. And really, really needs to stop talking.
David Cook ... is agonizing over this. But he's not going home.
David Archuleta ... is grateful and sweet and aww. Yep, he's staying.
Wow, we're really moving along here. This is great ... oh wait. Let's pause for performance by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown. And a weird gold records show-and-tell moment, followed by a car commercial that teaches us that "American Idol" contestants just want to celebrate. But not for long!
Jason Castro ... is not going home.
Kristy Lee Cook ... is totally safe!
That means the rest of the singers still backstage -- Syesha, Carly and Michael -- are in the bottom three.
Randy says: "It's anybody's night." Paula says: "Partly right. Partly wrong." Simon says that he and America clearly have a connection.
Syesha and Carly ... are safe. So that means Michael Johns is going home, right? Or is he?
Remember, no one went home this time last year. And in case you (or Michael Johns) forgot that, Ryan Seacrest pointed it out right then -- and then told Michael that his time is up. This may not be the most shocking elimination, but it certainly is the meanest.
Poor Michael Johns. They toyed with you, man. We're sorry to see you go out like that.
It's "Idol Gives Back" night, a great big show of superstar support to help raise money for charity -- you know, that event that L.A.wroteaboutMonday thanks to Sunday's pre-tape.
The Monitor has no interest in any sort of cheeky, winking treatment of the show. A whole lot of people worked really hard to entertain us all, in the hopes of getting people to dig into their pockets and pony up some cash for charity. We can certainly appreciate that. We can even enjoy it.
What we can't get into is the fact that the show didn't sign off by sending someone home. Oh, so there's another episode of "Idol" this week where someone will go home? And it's on Thursday night? Yeah, guess who missed that memo.
It's Inspirational Songs week, but The Monitor feels more uneasy than inspired. Will "Idol" pull a fast one like last year and make this one not even really count? Will the inspirational performances move us to tears? Is someone going to actually sing "I Believe I Can Fly"?
We don't know the answer to the first one, but questions two and three each got a definitive "no" during last night's show. Missed out? Catch up right here with the performances that left us pining for Fantasia and Robbie Williams, plus The Monitor's Three-Word Verdict and choice comments from the judges.
1.
Michael Johns: "Dream On" Three-word verdict: Another ascot, Thurston? Randy says: "I don't buy that you are anything like an Aerosmith."
2.
Syesha Mercado: "I Believe" Three-word verdict: Vocal was fine.
Simon says: "What it lacked for me was that big big wave of emotion which I got when Fantasia sang it."
3.
Jason Castro: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" Three-word verdict: Aw, that's nice. Randy says: "That was crazy, molten hot."
4.
Kristy Lee Cook: "Anyway" Three-word verdict: Good song choice. Randy says: "I loved that, actually."
5.
David Cook: "Innocent" Three-word verdict: That didn't work. Randy says: "I didn't quite get it tonight."
6.
Carly Smithson: "The Show Must Go On" Three-word verdict: Please stop yelling. Simon says: "It came over, strangely, as quite an angry performance."
7.
David Archuleta: "Angels" Three-word verdict: He sounds 17. Randy says: "That was your hottest moment the whole season."
8.
Brooke White: "You've Got a Friend"
Three-word verdict: Bland. Over orchestrated. Simon says: "It was sort of like a pleasant walk in the park, wasn't it?"
Can we just fast-forward to the part when David Archuleta wins it all? (And what are we missing? "Angels" sounded terrible on The Monitor's, um, monitor.) Will David Cook get a chance to learn from his "singing my favorite song" mistake? Did Carly Smithson seriously think that blaming Simon for her blah performance was a good move? Will "Idol" keep 'em all just to bump two next week? Share your thoughts and elimination predictions.
Good morning. I'm stepping in for my colleague Jane O'Donnell this morning (she's got important gov't business to take care of). I know some of you might be upset, but I'll do my best to provide you with this Monday morning's Breakfast Bites.
I probably don't read as much as O'Donnell does because I love me some TV between 6-10AM.
Sarah Jessica Parker enlightened America on the Today Show this morning (after speaking in circles about how her world is at the "salad point" in life) that her five-year-old son, James Wilkie, is "really into this election." Really? Wow. I couldn't believe it, but the Huffington Post appears to have heard the same last week.
I want my VH1!? I only want it between 6-9am. If you thought reality TV killed the video star, VH1ers have happily given us a morning dose of music videos M-F and they totally show the entire video. What's the big deal? That neat little song from the MacBook Air commercials -- "New Soul" by Yael Naim -- is in the video countdown!
Oh, Regis. What are we going to do with you? This was a big day for Philbin on Live. We discovered that he is now taller than two women -- Kelly, of course -- and Ramiele Malubay of American Idol. The second display of all things Regis was his ability to make Kelly Ripa and Brittany Snow go head-to-head in a Toe Off. Huh? Yes, they sat facing each other, removed their shoes and were asked to remove the cap off of a toothpaste bottle, pour it out onto a brush and then proceed to brush their teeth with their toes.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Heston. For those of you who haven't heard, the great and legendary Charlton Heston died this weekend at the age of 84. I read (yes, read) about it this past Sunday, but Good Morning America put together the tearjerker video montage we all knew was coming.
Did you skip last night's "American Idol"? You missed the last nine "Idol" contestants ruin "9 to 5" and "It's Tricky." You missed a visit with some losers from seasons past. You missed Dolly Parton singing! You missed Brooke White's incessant talking (please stop talking!).
Oh yes, and someone went home. Here's the rundown:
Michael Johns ... is safe. David Archuleta ... makes the top 8. Carly Smithson ... gets to sit on the "you're not going home" couch. David Cook ... is hot blooded. And sticking around. Ramiele ... is the first to hit the bottom three this week. Sad face! Kristy Lee Cook ... is a little too resigned to her bottom-three status. And there she
