Calling the American Idol Boy Shots
I’m supposed to be doing a meme and being a good citizen in bloggsville because Francis of Caught in the Stream annointed me with some fairly lofty honors for which I am very grateful, and am currently planning my attack acceptance speech.
But I couldn’t resist succumbing to the American Noodle magnet and ran up stairs after the show this evening to throw my two cents into the pot for our fresh perspective on the real first night of the season: the one where we really get to take a look at who’s who and who’s not.
So here’s the run down — and there are some rules, because the MoH decided we have an in house ranking system. (Who invited him?) Immediately after each person sings, we each have to assign a number: 1 = Horrible; 4 = Excellent
I know. Rocket Science.
But our votes soon earned the RTR the nickname of “Paul” for Paula (because he likes everybody) and Simon for me (because I actually listen to whether they can sing or not and what a concept that is doncha think?) I’m thinking the MoH just sucks at knowing who can sing and who can’t and just can’t handle it.
Moving right along:
#1 - David Hernandez earned a TWO. He could’ve had a higher score, but he was first, and he screwed up the last few notes. Way to make an impression, dood. But they put him first for a reason you know, and it isn’t to leave him out to dry.
#2 - Chickeze (AKA Jacuzzi thanks to Simon…) Um…I did like the orange suit. I did. But singing on key is important unless you have big hair and can get the tweener vote. So he scored a ONE plus.
#3 - David Cook (are there enough Davids this year? Jeez.) Totally intriguing with one of my favorite songs from the ’60s when I was a very young thing. Loved it, so he scored a FOUR. And no, not just because I liked the song, okay?
#4 - Jason Yeager - I loved Moon River when Andy Williams sang it when I was a kid (you aren’t laughing, are you?), but it was…what does Simon call it? Cabaret. But he’s got a good voice, so I splurged with a THREE. And could someone please tell the guy to not have his son’s hair styled. It’s just wrong.
#5 - Robbie Carrico - This guy sort of reminds me of Bucky from two seasons ago, but can actually sing and has nice teeth instead of Bucky’s teeth. Great song choice (One is the loneliest number…) and could let it rip if he wanted. The tweeners won’t like him, though. Still, he gets a THREE.
#6 - David Archuleta (okay, so I don’t feel like checking the spelling…) The kid can sing. He was born to do this. And he has a cute “shucky darn” kind of presence about him that makes watching him so much fun. The tweeners are going to shed their voting love all over him and he is totally not going to know what hit him. He totally gets a FOUR for totally hitting all the right notes and totally looking like he was totally born to sing. Toadally.
#7 - Danny Noriega - Hilarious. Hell, just his name sparked a history discussion and google search for the infamous Noriega’s whereabouts. We can’t help it. Sorry. But Danny has an excellent voice, and gets my attention with the “snap you up one side and down the other” attitude. Simon likes it too. He gets a FOUR for singing well, and having some personality to boot. He needs to rethink the stiff hair.
#8 - Luke Menard - Um. Not good. Really bad, in fact. The worst of the night. Did he hit one correct note? Jeez. He gets a ONE minus. It makes me want to change Jacuzzi’s score to a TWO…
#9 - Colton Berry - Says he looks like Ellen, and he can sing, but hmmm…there’s something about him I just can’t put my finger on. He gets a THREE for basic ability.
#10 - Garrett Haley - So is he Paul Anka or Peter Frampton with a Barry Manilow twist? Cute kid. Great cheek bones. But needs some presence so earns a TWO from me because I feel like it. I’m wondering what product he uses in his hair.
#11 - Jason Castro - Hmmm…interesting. I really liked this guy. I’m wondering if he’ll let them mess with his hair. Great voice. THREE.
#12 - Michael Johns - Rocks. Amazing voice. Period. The tweeners won’t vote for him, though. But he’s my vote to be the guy who should go all the way. FOUR plus.
Okay, so there’s my up to the minute Idol report for all you Idolizers.
Go ahead and tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about.
But did you notice there were only 11 girl finalists in the stands? Where is the Irish girl?
Hmmmm…?
1Ritzy
wrote on 20 February 2008 at 7:15
That Garret Guy - we knicknamed “Skeleton Boy with the Bad Hair” was horrible! I totally agreed with Simon about some fresh air and a Big Mac or two!! Loved the Aussie Rocker guy (loved his Queen song the other week) and the little David kid - I think he is genuine and cute as can be! The Tweeners will so go for him! The David Noriega Guy - Oh my! We knicknamed him “Flamer” Great voice, just doesn’t look like it should/could come from him. He’ll go far though! Luke guy- you know, don’t even remember him the morning after! I dig Robbie the Rocker - although he needs to let it hang out more & let it rip… didn’t dig the gun on his bandana though. Moon River Man… hum , didn’t dig it, but you know, he’s okay. That kid SO needed a haircut though - he looked like a girl and a flashback to the Brady Brunch!
I love American Idol… excited to see the girls tonight! :)
2Ben
wrote on 20 February 2008 at 7:19
You know, I’ve never seen an episode of that show. I really don’t like those kinds of shows. I did watch the first and second seasons of top chef, though, but I think that’s all I can take from those shows. I might just go online and check some of the guys’ profiles, if I get some free time and remember to do it, hehehe xoxox
3chefmom
wrote on 20 February 2008 at 8:19
I LOVED Michael Johns. And Jason Castro will stay, ccause the girls will love his eyes. (and I’m with you, they’re not doing much with THAT Hair!) I’m hoping Lke gets the boot. And I did notice there was a girl missing. All this controversey that the Irish girl was a plant…they were also questioning where she stood with her past record deal. I guess we’ll see tonight!
4gina
wrote on 20 February 2008 at 12:40
Kelly,
Amazing how much we have in common…and don’t!
I loved Moon River too! In fact, on the first day of 4th grade our teacher asked us to write answers to a series of questions about ourselves so she could get to know us better. To “What is your favorite song?” I answered “Moon River.” She returned the questionnaires to us with comments and I remember she wrote “Interesting choice for a 9-year-old!” Even Sister Eileen Marie thought I was a nerd! How pathetic was I?! Oh well, I guess I still am…I’m not afraid to admit it…Andy rocks!
Now for the not-in-common part… Here comes my shameful secret… I don’t have any desire to watch American Idol. I have never watched it. I don’t like any of the winners I’ve seen on other shows. It holds no interest for me. I hasten to add, however, I bear no ill opinion of those who enjoy it. It’s simply not my taste.
OK, now I have to evaluate which of those is the shameful secret… No matter, since they’re both out now!
5kellypea
wrote on 20 February 2008 at 12:58
Hi Gina — Cheers to your on lovin’ Andy! I could lip sync the LP’s my parents owned when I was in that nine or ten year old range. I couldn’t believe his range. Unbelievable. And I have to defend my fascination with American Idol because it took a few seasons to get us involved around here. Having said that, last year almost lost us because it was so disappointing. I guess I truly want to see and hear people perform — whether it’s as a singer, a dancer, an artist (which TV hasn’t quite figured out how to capture, thankfully…) or any talent they may have. I imagine it isn’t much different that writing here, and wondering about the reactions I might receive. I’ve always liked talent shows and enjoy seeing people do well. What I don’t enjoy is all the other stuff: the phone voting, the politics, the theatrics, etc. I do remember seeing Carrie Underwood a couple of years ago standing on that stage and thinking, oh, my, can she sing. It isn’t because I’m a fan of Country pop or anything like that. It’s just that I admire talent. Okay, so now I feel better. Can’t wait for the girls tonight! w00t!
Hey Chefmom — I know Michael Johns will do well. His voice is amazing. And you’re so right that we’ll all be held captive by the girl vote. Of course I suppose I could give up a substantial portion of my evening trying to get my own vote in, but that’s not going to happen. Then I won’t have anything to complain about, right?
Ben. Come on, dood.
I never really liked “those kinds of shows” either and mocked everyone who did (I still don’t get Survival and to this day have watched ONE episode three years ago). But what else is there on television any more? I know there are some other good shows and we do watch a few (Chuck on Mondays is HILARIOUS) , but we’re a bit slow on the uptake, yanno? Check the guys’ profiles if you remember. You’re soooo fuh-nee.
Hey Ritzy — I love the nicknames you guys have already tagged the boys with. Garret is completely a skeleton and would fit right in on one of those fashion model reality shows. If he survives the phone calls, it will be interesting to see what else he can sing. I think it’s strange that we never got to hear or see him until last night. The girls will be interesting for sure. Can’t wait.
6chefmom
wrote on 20 February 2008 at 16:50
I have never voted and probably never will…..But I still feel that it gives me the right to be pissed when someone I like gets the boot. LOL! My husband thinks I’m crazy.
7cooper
wrote on 20 February 2008 at 22:49
I’ve never watched it really and don’t get the fascination, but I did watch it the last two nights, and the little kid is gonna go all the way because little kids vote, and he is cute - sorry I don’t know his name, but he looked like he was 5 years old. I think that Ohio kid will be gone and I did not like the rendition of Moon River, even though it is one of my favorite songs. There were a couple of really blah performances boy wise.
I saw the girls tonight. Is there a requirement that all the blonds look exactly alike or something? They all look like that country singer who won - Carrie.
The Irish girl had a good voice, but that song she sang was creepy. I want the rocker girl to stay and liked the girl with the frizzy shorter hair and the very short Malaysian American girl.
8cooper
wrote on 20 February 2008 at 22:49
Oh are we taking bets or anything?
9earlene
wrote on 21 February 2008 at 8:36
I loved it. I wish I could watch it with you and the MoH and RTR. I used to keep my own score and now I will begin again. The Boys are better than the Grils. Who did MoH like the best?
10meleah rebeccah
wrote on 21 February 2008 at 11:51
NOOOOO….Oh my god I HATED Danny Noriega HATED with a passion.
But I really loved this post.
And I really LOVED Michael Johns. (soooo cute…and he can sing) Yum.
11kellypea
wrote on 21 February 2008 at 12:40
Hey Chefmom — there’s no way I’d spend the time it takes to vote. Absolutely NO patience.
Cooper, I don’t know if fascination is the right word, but it’s something the three of us look forward to doing together. In this country at this point in time with all the negative talk that goes on about parents and teenagers — picture a husband, wife, and their 15-year old all watching television together, harassing each other about their picks, laughing, and shushing each other so they can hear the snarking from the judges. It has to make your heart go pitter patter, doesn’t it? Hahahahaha.
Oh, and it is a bit scary that the blondes all look alike. Very. And bets would be soooooooo good. I’m in for the Aussie guy.
12kellypea
wrote on 21 February 2008 at 12:49
meleah, tell me how you really feel…bwahahahaha! I need specifics on your passion. I think he’s hilarious. Kind of reminds me of Christian on Project Runway, huh?
13kellypea
wrote on 21 February 2008 at 12:51
Hey Mom — I’m not sure who the MoH likes best. He’s just interested in keeping score and puts out averages by the end of the show. I’m not really sure what that’s going to get him other than a few decimal point, yanno? I do know he’s the lowest scorer of the three of us. I’ll have to pay attention to what he says tonight.
14cooper
wrote on 21 February 2008 at 14:37
A friend of mine who just graduated, and home for a month or two, was over both nights it was on, I was trying to study and he was lamenting that he never watched this show and always made fun of it but for some reason he watched it with his parent’s last week - two civil rights lawyers believe it or not, so he had to turn it on the second night he was here as well. I’m betting with him for change, who will go tonight. I don’t have a favorite yet I like the little kid and the rocker girl though.
I have to have my final bet in for the night by 7PM. ;)
15BeckEye
wrote on 21 February 2008 at 21:18
The Aussie. Oh, yum. he could light my fire any day of the week. You know I’ve broken up with Simon for him, right?
16meleah rebeccah
wrote on 22 February 2008 at 8:21
oOMG he IS like that Project Runway dood. No way. But still…I cant with that kid. He is soooooo arrogant and seems like a spoiled little bitch. Yep. Thats how I really feel about him!!
17David Archuleta
wrote on 5 April 2008 at 9:45
This also includes other possible top 24 finalists: Michael Johns , Carly Smithson and Danny Noriega who sang“ When I Need You” by Leo Sayer. Watch the video: