"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!
Nominations for the Tony Awards were announced this morning, and the NYC-set musical "In The Heights" leads the field with 13 nominations. "South Pacific," "Sunday in the Park With George," "Gypsy" and "August: Osage County" also scored multiple nods. Prizes will be handed out June 15 at Radio City Music Hall.
The Cure have posted the single "The Only One" on their web site. The band will post a new single on the 13th of each month ahead of their still-untitled 13th studio album, due September 13. The band will play back-to-back shows at MSG and Radio City next month.
The 125th anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge will be celebrated with a week-long party, kicking off May 22, with concerts including a performance by the Brooklyn Philharmonic, a Grucci fireworks show and other family events.
New York City might have been the fifth star of the show, but when it came time for the world premiere of the "Sex and the City" movie, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha walked the red carpet in London.
Stranger than fiction: The Daily News reports that Remy Ma and Papoose's Rikers Island wedding was called off on Monday after Papoose allegedly smuggled a handcuff key into the jail.
Hey you guuuyyyss ... "The Electric Company" is returning?! Gawker reports that taping on the revamped children's series will begin in Washington Heights and the Lower East Side this week.
David Byrne is turning the Great Hall of the Battery Maritime Building into one huge musical instrument. The temporary installation, called Playing the Building, will make music from the devices installed within the building's architecture and plumbing. It opens later this month.
N*E*R*D will be at the Billionaire Boys Club flagship store on Tuesday from 4-6PM, signing their BBC/N*E*R*D shirt before their performance at Madison Square Garden, supporting Kanye West.
Rappers Remy Ma and Papoose plan to marry today at Rikers Island, the Daily News reports. Remy Ma is currently incarcerated for her role in a 2007 shooting. She is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow.
McCarren Pool is hosting Jane's Favorite Movies, the SummerScreen festival. If you like watching excellent films (we're talking "Rushmore" and "Desperately Seeking Susan") for free, you can check out the full schedule here.
New Yorkers of the Week: Bees! Not only are they exceedingly photogenic, they are also taking over Learning Annex boxes. (It was probably a little scary to catch this scene on 75th and 2nd in person, but it looks pretty awesome on camera).
Various commitments have been getting in the way of our "One Life to Live" viewing (a shame, really, as we should support soaps still shot in NYC). Good thing Videogum is there to remind us what we're missing in Llanview, namely Snoop Dogg.
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!
"The Taking of Pelham 123" is shutting down Court St. from Livingston to Atlantic for shooting today, probably to film at the New York Transit Museum's model station. Be sure to share any sightings! Also, looks like Denzel Washington in a pair of glasses makes a pretty convincing transit worker.
Einstein, Tubman, Edison, Springsteen, Berra, Streep and (of course) Sinatra were among the fifteen men and women induced into the New Jersey Hall of Fame this past weekend.
Sarah Jessica Parker is concerned that New York City has lost its grit and affordability. Her husband, Matthew Broderick, thinks Parker (well, "Sex and the City") is at least partially to blame.
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.
If you want to maybe get a peek at one of the billion stars (Scarlett Johansson? Natalie Portman? Shia LaBeouf?) starring in "New York, I Love You," head to Franklin Street in Greenpoint on Wednesday, where they will be shooting scenes for the film. Though, as far as signage goes, The Monitor was far more entertained by "The Talking of Telham 123" in DUMBO.
Will we soon get a little bit of Las Vegas on Rockaway Boulevard? On Friday, proposals were submitted to the state to bring a Hard Rock Hotel and video lottery machines to the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens.
Need a reason to be thankful? Warning: This only works if you aren't looking to share an apartment in Williamsburg.Daily Intel digs up a Craigslist roommate post that makes us feel grateful our housing situation is settled.
Closer to home (and not in the past) is the Virgin Mobile Festival, which will bring artists including Kanye West, Foo Fighters, Bob Dylan, Lil Wayne and the reunited Stone Temple Pilots to Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course in August.
On Wednesday, get a taste of Brooklyn's best food and drinks — including Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Palo Santo, Blue Ribbon Sushi, Brooklyn Brewery and Sixpoint Craft Ales — at Brooklyn Eats, a tasting event hosted at Steiner Studios, located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Papoose's video for "Ambulance," a dis track targeting a rival artist, features a truck from the Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corp. But founder Rocky Robinson tells the Daily News that his organization was duped into the video. "His people told us the video would be about the neighborhood and how we respond to save lives."
Warning: Photos from the Tribeca Film Festival's "Thriller" Zombie Disco might make you really wish you were there.
Interview magazine puts its foot down in a dress-code memo leaked to Gawker that includes one it's-about-time line: "Tights are not permitted at any time as a substitute for pants." Is there any way to make that the dress code for the world? Just asking.
Burning question of the week: Is Blake Lively's dog the cutest thing ever?
The Monitor highly recommends hightailing it to the ocean whenever possible, especially with
so
many beach options in this great city. But if you can't make it to the shore, at least enjoy this
Brighton Beach/Coney Island video, courtesy of The Gowanus Lounge.
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.
The Cheyenne Diner, a longtime favorite over on 9th Avenue, is staying in New York. AMNY's Urbanist reports that the recently closed restaurant will reopen in Red Hook.
A Silent Rave took over Union Square on Friday night, with hundreds of participants dancing wildly to music only they can hear. At least that was the idea, but I can clearly hear drums in this video, can't you? The event will happen again, "probably in June," according to a post on
the event's Facebook profile.
New York's Comic Con wrapped up on Sunday, leaving us with previews of upcoming comic, movies, even gaming projects ... and a lot of great photos of fans in costume.
The Tribeca Film Festival kicks off Wednesday, featuring the premieres of "Baby Mama," "Speed Racer" and "Red Belt" plus about 90 million other film screenings.
