Home | Entertainment
Free photo uploads - SnapMyLife.com
'American Idol' panel offers advice as finale nears
By Chuck Barney Contra Costa Times
May 13, 2008
Our long, brain-addled, Jason Castro nightmare is over, and now we're just one week away from the "American Idol" finale. We say, bring it on.But first, our Readers Judging Panel offers a few words of advice to the remaining three finalists -- completely free of charge.
As always, you can find their weekly critiques of the "Idol" performances on the TV Freak blog at www.ibabuzz.com/tvfreak. And don't be a wallflower: Tell us what you think, too.
Rob Miller, 46, Oakland
Last week: I was ready to stop watching "Idol" if Jason had stayed and Syesha Mercado got the boot. Fortunately, there was no need for outrage.
Looking ahead: Syesha probably will be the next to go, and that's just wrong. She has grown and evolved. Meanwhile, David Archuleta hasn't changed one iota. Week in and week out, he does the same type of song, the same way, with the same type of runs. And he's probably going to win.
Rob's advice: Syesha, keep doing the big songs, play the diva (even if you're acting). Play to your strengths -- your voice and your good looks. David Archuleta, do something different. Anything. And try to develop a personality. David Cook, honestly all you have to do is "not screw up." The alternative is to do something really bold. Remember when Bo Bice sang a cappella?
Danny Wallace, 28, Antioch
Last week: There were no surprises. It was good to see someone leave the show without crying an ocean. Jason seemed, as Ryan Seacrest said, relieved to be leaving. He took it as he's taken everything else this show has thrown at him -- with a goofy smile.
Looking ahead: With three songs each this week, I hope to see different sides of these contestants. If I hear three sappy ballads out of Archie, I will be very disappointed. I'd love to see Syesha try something other than a Broadway performance. And Cook needs to go acoustic at least once.
Danny's advice: Sing different types of songs throughout the night. If you sing a sappy ballad first, pick up the pace with the next song.
Maria Sajjad, 22, Concord
Last week: The most surprising thing about last week was how horrible the lead singer of Maroon 5 sounds live. Even "Brain-Dead" Castro sounded better when he massacred "I Shot the Sheriff".
Looking ahead: I expect Syesha to leave this week; no matter how many tears she sheds.
Maria's advice: Show some personality because the goody-goody act is getting old. Someone please bring back Stripper Hernandez!
Patti Compton, 76, Rossmoor
Last week: I won't miss Jason at all. Toward the end, I think he knew he really didn't belong and did his best to get himself kicked off.
Looking ahead: As much as I like her, I really can't envision Syesha knocking out one of the Davids. I'm going to vote for her this week, but are there enough of me out there?
Patti's advice: All three finalists need to carefully analyze past performances. What type of song and interpretation brought praise from the judges, especially the all-wise Simon? You've got to walk a thin line between appearing confident and cocky.
Tyler Maddalon, 10, Danville
Last week: Jason certainly deserved to go. America got it right. My favorite performances were "Stand by Me" and "Baba O'Riley" from the Davids. I thought it was the best week ever.
Looking ahead: It's obvious who goes next: Syesha. And we should have a great finale between the two Davids, I hope.
Tyler's advice: Stick with your thing -- originality, theatricality, and exciting songs that show vocal power.
Reach Chuck Barney at 925-952-2685 or cbarney@bayareanewsgroup.com. Also check out his blog at www.ibabuzz.com/tvfreak.
Copyright 2008
Powered By Zebra Mobile