REVIEW

TV Review: American Idol - Top Three

Written by Tracy Leigh Ritts
Published May 14, 2008

Tuesday night's American Idol show was all about the number three: three contestants and three songs performed by each. The first song was the Judge's Choice, the second was the Contestant's Choice, and the third was the Producers' Choice. Getting the show started was David Archuleta:

Judge's Choice:

David Archuleta - "And So It Goes"
Paula chose Billy Joel's "And So It Goes" for David A's first performance. I wasn't blown away, to be honest. While there was nothing wrong with David's performance, and in fact, he sang it quite well, somehow it was still a little boring and a little lackluster for me. Randy said, "Check it out, baby! You're in it to win it!" Paula said, "It was a pure and stunning performance." Simon said, "It was very good. No surprises, but predictable."

Syesha Mercado - "If I Ain't Got You"
Randy chose Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Go You" for Syesha's first performance. Her vocal was strong, and she seemed to have fun with the song. My only complaint is, having heard the original of this song so many times, Syesha's performance wasn't as powerful as it might have been with a lesser-known song. Randy said, "You did an amazing job." Paula said, "It's difficult to do a song that's so identifiable with the original artist." Simon said, "It was good."

David Cook - "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face"
Simon chose Roberta Flack's "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" for David C's first performance. I thought it was an odd choice, honestly, and David C didn't appear to be in the comfort zone. That being said, his vocals were strong. Randy said, "Love the high note at the end." Paula said, "That is one of my favorite songs and you are my second favorite person to sing it." Simon said, "I think this is one of your strongest performances to date."

Next we moved on to…Contestant's Choice:

David Archuleta - "With You"
I wondered what David A was thinking when he chose Chris Brown's "With You." Maybe that he wanted to show another side - a younger side? Unfortunately, I wasn't overly impressed. I think it's great he tried something different, though. Randy said, "I'm not sure it was the right song." Paula said, "I think you did a great job." Simon said, "I applaud that you didn't do a ballad, which I thought you would. It just wasn't you."

Syesha Mercado - "Fever"
Syesha's choice of Peggy Lee's "Fever" made sense to me, and while I really enjoyed her performance, it wasn't quite right - at least for American Idol. The great thing was her vocals were pretty much perfect! Randy said, "You sang it amazingly well." Paula said, "I'm surprised you picked this song. I'm not sure it shows me Syesha." Simon said, "I think you will probably regret that performance tomorrow."

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Tracy Leigh Ritts is a successful freelance writer and aspiring novelist living in Northwest Ohio with her husband and four children. She is the author of the book How to Plan Your Own Wedding and Save Thousands...Without Going Crazy. Visit Tracy's website to learn more about her writing.
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TV Review: American Idol - Top Three
Published: May 14, 2008
Type: Review
Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: Television, Video: TV Recap, Video: Reality TV, Video: Music, Music: Video
Part of a feature: American Idol Season Seven
Writer: Tracy Leigh Ritts
Tracy Leigh Ritts's BC Writer page
Tracy Leigh Ritts's personal site
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Comments

#1 — May 14, 2008 @ 14:13PM — Jordan Richardson [URL]

What I found most interesting about last night's show was that Syesha seemed really resigned to her fate. I think she's pretty much aware that she won't end up in the top two and she was just having fun out there. I thought the rendition of "Fever" was sexy and that she showed another aspect of her character. She seems perfectly fitted for Broadway/musical theatre and I think she'll do well.

Once again David A. bored the crap out of me. Yes, he's a technically good singer, but my oh my is he ever bland. Perfect for the High School Musical set, though, who seem to love their popstars bland and tasteless.

Any thoughts on the banning of Jeff Archuleta (David's dad) from backstage, btw?

#2 — May 14, 2008 @ 19:20PM — Grandpa Idol

The two Davids will be at the finish line and unless the teeny vote is overwhelming I think David Cook will take it because he has real star potential. The other David will do just fine with whatever he tries and will taken care of after the show ends. Syesha is beautiful, talented, has a great personality, but unfortunately is not a fav in the eyes of the judges. It was very apparent who they liked last night and was almost mean in some cases.

I was not aware of a problem (recent) with David A's dad although I've heard stories from earlier. Parents should be supportive and not controlling in these situations.

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