American Idol shines on you crazy Diamond
Posted on April 29th, 2008 – 12:12 PMBy Neal Justin
Neal Justin back at the reins and, I must confess, I’m still upset with you, America. Not only was the elimination of Carly totally uncalled for , but you once again put Syesha, my longtime favorite female contestant, back on the hot seat. What does the girl have to do, people?
But enough of that. Time to move on to a new rant: Neil Diamond. I love the guy for the very reasons that he makes a terrible choice to be an “Idol” mentor. His songs are simple, with little range and little ambition. That’s why you hear “Solitary Man” at every karaoke bar. Anyone can sing his songs. ANYONE. That doesn’t make for a very good challenge and it doesn’t give us much insight as to who has the best pipes.
That being said, I hope the contestants stay away from the more familiar hits, although Brooke and Jason Castro probably won’t be able to help themselves.
I’d love to hear someone tackle something off of Diamond’s last album, “12 Songs” (”Hell Yeah” perhaps?) and some lesser known, but nevertheless beautiful numbers, like “Play Me” and “If You Know What I Mean.” Unfortunately, I’m bracing myself for yet another version of “Red Red Wine.” Groan.
What do you hope to hear - and who do you want to see soar (Let me hear from my fellow Syesha fans. C’mon!)
33 Responses to "American Idol shines on you crazy Diamond"
I’m hoping to hear Holly Holy. If we are looking for deeper tracks, however there is “Shiloh or possibly” “I am I said.” Someone will do “I’m a Believer” or that will be the song all of the Idols sing on the elimination show.
Sorry Neal, I definitely am not a Syesha fan, and I think this week she might finally not be able to find a song to Whitney-ise…which will be her downfall. I wouldn’t have a problem with her singing like Whitney if she actually could sing like Whitney…but she isn’t even a cheap imitation of her. I think she has a nice voice, but let’s face it, there are a million of her running around out there already…the final four will be Archuleta, Cook, White and Castro…my only fear is that Cook will win it all and then he will be stuck in the death spiral that all winners (except for Carrie Underwood) fall into.
This is the first year my wife and I have watched “Idol” all the way from the tryouts in January (mainly because of the writers strike leaving little else to watch most nights). This show is nothing more than a popularity contest catering to girls between the ages of 12 and 21. David Archuleta will win because he could fart into the mike and still be the top vote-getter every week. My favorite from the beginning has been Brooke, but she should’ve gotten the boot last week. I agree Syesha hasn’t deserved to be near the bottom each week (racism perhaps?), but I think the two Davids will be the last men standing, with Archuleta winning Idol (and disappearing after his required touring is done) and Cook having a real career afterwards.
Racism? How do you explain Fantasia or Big Teddy Bear winning? The competition is morphing into a teen and preteen call-in and text-in contest. Who do they love? Archuleta. Then he’ll be the first to win Star Search AND Idol. Ugh. I just hope Cook gets third so he can do his own stuff like Daughtry. Syesha’s not BAD, she’s just not GREAT. I like her for America’s Next Top Model because her face is pretty and transformable - she can look great with many different looks, like last weeks sultry turn.
I agree that Syesha is talented. However, I’m convinced that she continues to be at the bottom because she doesn’t connect with the audience due to her lack of personality or originality. Notice how she adopted Remi’s catch phrase “Oh Lo…” — get some of your own material! Perhaps this all stems from the fact that she is a “working actress” so she is doing just that…acting. And America isn’t buying it!
Forever in Blue Jeans is bound to chosen by one of the country/western wannabes, but I’d like to see someone give it a different twist, like R&B or soulful ballad.
Or You Don’t Bring Me Flowers in from a hard rock crooner.
Mix it up already.
Old Bill is right on the money. What a sham the show is. I too am new to Idol–as I never had an interest before and now see why. Simon Cowell was right when he stated that “this show isn’t so much a talent contest as it is a popularity contest.” Micheal Johns and Carly Smithson are gone while Jason Castro and Brooke White remain? Is America tone def? Let’s see if Archuletta can find a way to be “socially aware” with a Diamond song. So wise about the ways of the world for 17. I will never waste my time watching this garbage again.
Oh my - such angst over a Talent show! Don’t get your undies in such a bunch - it’s just TELEVISION.
Brooke needs to be done. She’s charming and should be my wife - but she’s gone farther than expected. Syesha has really brought her game up the last month - she deserves to be there.
Carly is gone because she is inked up - sorry, but that doesn’t wash with the tenny bopper power voters.
David Cooke has the tools to be a star. David A is cute - but will be a ballad guy the rest of his life, in my opinion.
It’s been a fun year - lots of talent - lots of good singing. Just enjoy it - it’s not brain surgery.
This is by far the worst year of Idol. Other than David Cook, who could be the most talented contestant ever, the “cast” is pretty boring.
Archuletta is definitely doing Heartlight, or maybe he finds his roots and does Cante Libre. If Castro doesn’t do Red Red Wine in those dreads it will be criminal. Someone said this elsewhere but when I heard it I thought it was a great idea, Brooke should do a song of Neil’s new album called Pretty Amazing Grace, it is perfect for her. Syesha is going to do You don’t Bring Me Flowers unless she’s been researching. This week is made for Cook, he has Cherry Cherry, America, Love on the Rocks or any deep track he wants to play with. Brothers Love is too easy and Im a Believer is definitely not getting done, too Smashmouth/Shrek. Cook wins this week hands down.
One question: Why is this a front page story and HOW IS THIS NEWS?
You people need to get away from the TV, go outside and get some fresh air.
It’s no wonder I don’t subscribe to the paper or watch television news anymore. It’s all just promotion for television shows.
I am still saddened over Carly getting voted off. That just proves American Idol is a popularity contest - because if we were going on voice alone, she would have it in the bag.
That girls has got pipes!
will someone tell me why castro always sits down?
Okay Neal, yes Syesha is starting to let her skills be heard, but I still think the last two standing will be David and David. I would like to hear the younger David really let his voice be heard. He seems like he’s been holding back from what I’ve heard him do in the past. I’ve been very disappointed at how lame the singing has been by everyone lately, it’s worse than the auditions. I say c’mon Idol contestants, step it up a FEW notches and let’s hear some singing worthy of a music contract!
Being an American Idol is waaaaay more than just about singing. It is everything to do with marketablility and popularity. As far as I’m concerned, with Syesha you get someone who has a great voice, but couldn’t be marketed because she’s just a copy-cat. She has no originality what so ever. My favorite has always been Jason Castro. It’s amazing that he’s in the top 5 after not receiving any airtime before the top 24. He is original, and what America is listening to right now. He’s got a quarky personality and has the look…that being said, I do think David Cook will win because America is in love with rock stars.
[…] Vote for the Worst wrote an interesting post today on American Idol shines on you crazy DiamondHere’s a quick excerptNeal Justin back at the reins and, I must confess, I’m still upset with you, America. […]
Neal and everyone else, quit grousing about Carly. Yes, she is more talented than some of the other remaining contestants–but her attitude and persona also annoy a LOT of people. She’s a polarizing figure, the Hillary Clinton of American Idol: those people who like her, like her–but those peopple who don’t like her, absolutely despise her. And sooner or later, that was going to bite her. It just happened to happen “sooner” rather than “later”.
I’m guessing we will hear Hello Again. Probably Castro. Maybe??
Carly had her chance a few years ago and didn’t succeed. She didn’t even deserve to be on the show.
Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon (Pulp Fiction version)
Solitary Man
Paul Douglas is a Pansy
Jason should sing Forever in Blue Jeans and September Morn.
David A. should sing I’m a Believer.
The contestants are switching to doing 2 songs this week and forward, so we’ll get 10 total Neil Diamond songs.
“Hello Again” will be Brooke White’s, and she might do “Song Sung Blue” also. I can see Dave Cook doing “Holly Holy” because it starts slow and peaks pretty good. Perfect for him. David A. could go with “Heartlight” and/or “I am…I said”. Dreadlock dude: Hmmmmm, maybe “Song Sung Blue” if White doesn’t do it. Syesha could do “Desiree” and “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”.
Wonder if anyone will do “Forever in Blue Jeans”?
Hey Neal,
You title is cute “American Idol shines on you crazy Diamond” but for God sakes it demeans Pink Floyd.
I like to see all the contestants sing “Careful with That Axe, Eugene”
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show!
I hope someone sings Forever in Blue Jeans. *Swoon*
Carly’s loss was a gigantic mistake, but she will do well. My only favorityes left to win are the 2 David’s , each different but excellent.
Whoever things it is only teeny-boppers who love Idol is all wet. I know dozens of adults and seniors who watch and vote each year. For those who think it’s bunk, how do you account for all those who have gone before this year’s contest to become huge stars both in Nashville, on Broadway, etc. Your music vision is tunnel vision, and it has appeal for all ages regardless of what you think. Carly sassed the judges, and if you knew anything about how America feels about this show, you would know that they do not like a contestant who cannot take constructive criticism and argues with the judges. Invariably it becomes their downfall and out the door they go. Finalists: you all need to step up and show your best these last few weeks… David & David for sure in the finals. Oh, yes, this is my 7th season to watch, and I love to follow the winners and runners-up as they grow in their careers. They will all get into the music business once they have gone this far, just as in other years.
Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show
It’s a must.
I’m hopin’ they do a little Fortunate Son or Bad Moon Rising.
Does anyone else remember and appreciate that Neil Diamond was a major contributor to the Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack?! I wore out my copy of the album, played it over & over. Some of the songs were quite beautiful although I doubt that any of the Idols has the skill to sing (or recite and interpret, for that matter) Be, Sanctus Kyrie, Dear Father, etc.
Betty–
My guess as to why Jason Castro always sits down is that he always looks like he’s half stoned.
Brooke must have gotten into Castro’s stash when she chose “I’m a Believer” what a stupid choice!
Syesha is terrific and will be great on Broadway and doesn’t need to be “the idol” & will be better off. David Archuleta is SICKening - David Cook should win this. Disagree with one thing—NOBODY can sing Neil Diamond songs but Neil Diamond!
