I'm SO BUMMED, I've been traveling on business and they don't have Fox Reality here... so I missed last night and will miss tonight and tomorrow night too. Oh, well, there's always YT and I love just reading everybody's comments...

Another thing I noticed about last night was that David was not given as much camera time or mic time as the others during the group numbers. that really frustrated me last night. He is definitely standing out now - and it's about time since I loved "Happy Together" but was also voting for Michael too - at least until he was voted off. And Carly was the best female IMHO, but again "Come Together" is one of my favorite Beatles songs.

I think it should be a law that KLC doesn't sing the Beatles anymore!

Agree to that!

Archie did a lot better this time around

i agree with cookieaddict and ocdcd.!

True. Of course, she did better this particular week than the week before. Eight Days A Week was train wreck!

I tried to go to bed last night and guess what was playing in my head?? Eight Days a Week! UGH!

Yikes!

Nightmares!

Cookie just did Daytripper. Okay...he did a good job of course but I will admit that this has never really been one of my fave performances by him from AI.

I loved David's take on Day Tripper - especially loved the funk vibe of it. And I thought the voice box was a fun element.

I still don't understand to this day Simon's comments to Carly about Blackbird. I loved that performance. Oh well, Simon is Simon. lol

I don't know what it was about it. He made it his own and everything...but I did notice that after Simon made the comments about David appearing smug, David toned down his reactions after his performances.

Syesha did a great job

lmao, i love how they made the people that hold the microphone in there left had switch to right so that all there hands were the same.
sryyyy i jst noticed it hhaha

and i agreee i enjoyed carlys performance

After I watched the top 11 again, I would have sent KLC home instead of Amanda, who would have been a whole lot more interesting to watch and listen to on the tour this past summer. Oh well...

Tomorrow night, we get BILLIE JEAN!!!!! WOOT!

Hi all, was out last night so I watched it on DVR when I got home. Then I just couldn't do another 2am post

Anyway, couple of belated comments --

I liked David's performance, but I liked his interview better -- "euphoric". Cute bit with the falling down.

NEVER noticed the scarf (ascot?) under the vest before. Where did that come from?

Liked that Simon used David as a reference point (I think it was to Amanda) about how to change things up the right way.

For Annette, before the break when he was about to go on -- heart pump with orange bracelet on his fist -- yes, now that it's been mentioned I see it a lot. He held out the fist for Lindsey Rose to see when he was first instroduced.

Group number had better placement for David -- the producers are starting to get it.

Now this week they did not make bottom three sing. Wierd.

Carly was good, she did not deserve bottom three at all. Which begs the question, do the voters really listen to Simon that much, or was Simon somehow right and he really can quasi-predict what the voters will do? KLC was better but not better than Amanda. Funny, though I clearly remember not liking this performance of Amanda's first time around. I liked it better this time.

Chikezie should not play harmonica.

How on earth did Kellie Pickler get to be so popular -- second album already?

When Ryan discussed the song-writing contest, he introduced Jordin's single This is My Now as having just gone gold. So it took her the whole year to go gold, and I don't think it was ever certified platinum. Looking forward to new season when Ryan can refer to TOML as platinum. Still want the DCTR platinum presentation to be on idol, even if it has to be later in the year (it may not be certified in time for the top 12 show or whenever David will be making his first appearance.)

BJ tonight!!! If I remember correctly it was the last song of the night, no? Can't wait!

I missed his performance last night as well, was he wearing an ascot when he performed Daytripper? Maybe he borrowed Michael's

The one thing I thought last night when Kellie performed was that she acknowledged the contestants when she passed by them and touched the hands of those sitting in the front row. I thought it was cool, she would know exactly how it felt to be in that position, so a little sign of camaraderie maybe, who knows. Many of the other performers that I recall from the season didn't even glance their way.

Did anyone else think during the call-in segment Michael's response to the question if AI was living up to his expectations seemed awkward? Methinks he must've read online somewhere some comment about him having peaked Hollywood week but I thought it unnecessary to bring it up but that laugh of his afterward seemed forced and awkward (but apparently amused the two Cooks sitting next to him).

yeah Tee, I noticed Kellie doing that too, that was nice of her. And I'll give her credit for her looks too, she looked classy actually (nice hair, dress, even shoes). Song itself wasn't bad if you like country. I'm not a country fan so I guess sometimes I don't get it.

Michael's call in was really awkward. Yeah, none of the judges had said anything about peaking too early, but I remember thinking that as well.

My observations from last night (which most of you have mentioned).

I really loved how David made sure Lindsay Rose could see he was wearing the orange bracelet..and the heart tapping, GAH!!! Enjoyed what he did with the voice box. Love his "excited little boy" emotions (the tongue appeared again ), at the end of his song (even though Simon said he thought it wasn't as good as DC thought it was.. )

Thought it was cute how Ramiele said David was like a big brother to her, and the clips of the two of them were very sweet.

Okay...I have to say it...I like Kelly Pickler. She looked great last night (loved the shoes). I also appreciated that she acknowledged the contestants. I like all kinds of music (just don't listen to anything but David anymore), and I actually thought Red HIgh Heels was a catchy little ditty!

Carly...she so did not deserve bottom 3. I love her and thought her rendition of Blackbird was great.

MJ...Thought his performance was not good at all. Yes, his comment about peaking too early was awkward.

Amanda...Agree with most of you. She was better than KLC.

Archie...boring...did not love it like the judges did. A little to mature for him, maybe. But he is such a cutie pie.

The rest of the performances I can't even remember this morning...

Cheryl

Cheryl,
Thanks for the reminder about this bit. I'm recording the David-related bits onto DVD and I remember thinking when I saw this that it was worthy of inclusion, but I might have forgotten about it tonight when I actually record. I also sort of want to do that heart tap before the commercial but it might be too short and therefore look too choppy. I'll have to see.

David likes to do that tongue out the side thing alot doesn't he I don't think I ever really noticed it before SNL

Day Tripper wasn't one of my favorite at first, but watching it last night I am bumping it up on my list. The segemt with David and Ramiele was so adorable. I agree he needs more air time during the group numbers.
I can't wait for tonight. BILLIE JEAN!!

I agree that KLC did a bad job on both of her songs, but tonight she sings God Bless the USA. She does a great job.

I didn't remember how well Carly sang Blackbird. She did such a great job.

Rachel

Actually, i found "8 Days A Week" entertaining Makes great hoedown music! lmao

I thought it was interesting last week that when she introduced the song, she said she did it because "the judges said they like people to take risks". Obviously she thinks that since her last name is the same she can channel some of David's talent -- yes, all people named Cook are tuned into the same collective consciousness (no offense to anyone else named Cook who really does have talent!!!)

I would be so interested in getting a DVD of the entire season. I missed the first few replays. Plus my husband is rolling his eyes at the # of AI I have on the DVR. Unfortunately I don't have a DVD recorder. Do please keep me in mind. I love the idea of donating to ACS but would also like to compensate you for your time and trouble.

Thank you so much!!

YES! Billie Jean tonight! I've already mentioned earlier how I accidentally deleted this from my DVR the first time around, now I'll have it forever because I went out over the weekend and bought a DVD recorder!

I remember our discussion here on the board that night before the show aired when we got the dress rehearsal spoiler that he was going to sing "Billie Jean" -- we were all about it. Most of us thought it was going to be some sort of rocked out version because no one seemed to have ever heard of the "Chris Cornell version." In fact, at that time, I had never heard of Chris Cornell (although it turns out that I had heard of his bands.) So to hear David do that slowed down version was absolutely mesmerizing. Sigh.

And then seeing Billie Jean performed live this summer from my seat right by the catwalk was a life-altering experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGB6VlQ9Y5g

I saw a recent thread where someone found the entire season 7 for sale on ebay. You might want to check that out as well. I'll let everyone know if I get a set recorded. I don't have all the auditions - just David's. Same with Hollywood week. But have complete from top 24 on down (so far).

Billie Jean tonight! Woohoo! Can't wait to watch this again on my TV

I believe he performs last tonight?


The first time I watched this I was confused...I couldn't believe he was singing Billie Jean cuz it was so slow and haunting. I had no idea about Chris Cornell's version.

Per EW.Com in their video gallery of the Top 16 performances ever on Idol, this ranked 13th:

13. DAVID COOK, ''Billie Jean'' (Season 7)
Yeah, his slowed-down, guitar-edged take on Michael Jackson's iconic pop-soul classic was inspired by Chris Cornell's 2007 cover. But Cook's pitch perfection, his explosive, tortured delivery, and yes, his savvy selection of a little-known arrangement that fit the week's musical theme instantly turned him into season 7's midterm front-runner. As for the haters and their silly indignation: Who's got time when you're busy giving a standing ''O''?


I think it should rank higher, but I'm a lil biased lol

Yep, he's last tonight. According to imdb:

Season 7, Episode 24: The Top 10 Finalists Perform
Original Air Date—25 March 2008
Theme: Songs From the Year In Which Contestants Were Born. Songs performed: Ramiele Malubay -- "Alone"; Jason Castro -- "Fragile"; Syesha Mercado -- "If I Were Your Woman"; Chikezie -- "If Only For One Night"; Brooke White -- "Every Breath You Take"; Michael Johns -- "We Will Rock You/ We Are the Champions"; Carly Smithson -- "Total Eclipse of the Heart"; David Archuleta -- "You're the Voice"; Kristy Lee Cook -- "God Bless the USA"; David Cook -- "Billie Jean."

To all of you recording AI7 in its entirety, I definitely want to buy one. I will also donate to ACS and pay for your time and trouble. I can't keep the entire season on my DVR...it takes up too much room...and I do not have a DVR recorder. I am stressing right now because I am leaving for Oregon in the morning to visit my kids and grandkids and won't be back until Tuesday night. I am so afraid my DVR will run out of space before I get back. I am going to delete all the girls performances. Hopefully, if I miss something you guys will have it. I really want a DVD of this for my DVD library (very small library).

Thanks to all at The Dash. You are all so awesome!

Cheryl

Cheryl, I'm not recording...just viewing. I hope you can get your recording.

I can't get over how interesting it is to see it all again. I swear, I think I missed most of the show worrying about and anticipating Cook's performance. I don't remember much else. :lol

Jeannine

Ok...throwing in my 2 cents...but you all know I never have an opinion

First about those of you recording. I also don't have the ability to record from my TV. I'd be happy to help anyone out making duplicates because I do have access to a excellent DVD recorder at work. Anytime what I can do to help is computer related you can count on me...I'm just a plain nerd, no words here, just computers!

OK, now for the opinions I don't have!!!

Eleanor Rigby was my absolute favorite of the season. I loved how excited he got after the performance. I could see where Simon was coming from when he said he didn't think Day Tripper was as good as David thought it was but I truly think David was still high on Eleanor Rigby.

I'm also in the camp of liking Kristy Lee. I'm ok with country, and tonight, as I always do, I will stand up, sing along and cry for God Bless the USA. I am so proud to be an American and that song of all that are out there about this country, really gets to me. I like Kellie Pickler too. I had forgotten about her performance and seeing it again reminded me of how much I liked her performance and her taunting of Simon. One of the few you tube videos I searched for that wasn't David. I guess I'm alittle bit country .

It really is fun watching this again...I missed several shows last year or only saw bits and pieces of them. I don't remember who, but someone mentioned having a touch of nerves thinking David could be voted off even though we know he won't happen. There is still an edge to results episodes.

Finally, my wishes for the future...I REALLY want David to do TOML on tour, just like he recorded it. Let it be the way it was intended to be. It's not a rock song so I don't think he should try to rock it. Let it be his reminder to keep his feet on the ground! And if/when...do we know for sure?...he performs on AI8, I want him to sing Life on the Moon!

See, I told ya, no opinions here...LOL!

Marie, I am so glad to see you post that, I was beginning to feel like I was the only person in Idol fandom who had no clue who Chris Cornell was. I had, of course, heard of Soundgarden and Audioslave but wasn't much of a fan of either so didn't know the name of their lead singer.

Tee,

Count me in as not knowing of who Cornell was until Billie Jean. heh

Didn't know who Chris Cornell was either!

Exactly. I had never heard of Chris Cornell -- that's not a slight on his talent or anything, I just hadn't ever heard of him. Later when I heard that he was the lead singer of Audioslave and Soundgarden, well I had heard of those bands and once I heard some of their songs I realized I that had heard them over the years on my local rock station, I just didn't know what they were.

That said, though, I looked at Chris Cornell's version on YT and I didn't like it. It was really slow and growly, almost mumbly. David's version was not quite as slow and while gritty, raw and full of emotion, it was a little more polished. I like David's version better. But as Simon says, it's just an opinion. There was one time on this board where I said I preferred David's version of "Creep" over Radiohead's and I was raked over the coals about not knowing anything about music and that nothing could compare to Radiohead, not even David Cook -- and that came from a DC "fan" on this board. Oh, and I had never heard "Creep" before hearing David's version and the person wanted to know if I had been living under a rock since it was the greatest song of the 90's and it was played everywhere.

I had never heard of Chris Cornell. Had no clue. All I know is that David's performance made me stand in front of the TV and say, "Oh wow, oh wow, OH WOW!" I was blown away.

Jeannine

Whew! I'm not alone then, lol. And Marie, I must've been sharing that rock with you in the 90's

Was I the only one that thought Carly did well? With the exception of that glory note at the end, I thought her performance was pretty good.

I liked Carly's performance too, but not as well as MJ's. But they're saving the best for last.

I loved Carly's performance and thought it was the perfect song for her, so I have no idea what the judges were talking about, although I think, as someone said up thread, their criticism undermined her confidence throughout the season. Michael was fantastic! Gee, can't wait to see what David Cook does!

This was the MJ performance I always remember when I think back to his time on Idol. Loved it.

Who else is giddy with anticipation for David's Billie Jean performance???? I can hardly contain myself! Reminds me of the summer of PLODING!

Wow....wow....goosebumps....awesome....amazing.....I'm so excited I want to call and vote for him lol

Sheesh....no other performance could even touch Billie Jean tonight. (Actually no other performance (except by David himself) could touch this one all season

On a superficial note, I noticed tattoo peakage of the ribbon on his chest

David was, as I well remembered, phenomenal!

I didn't follow the online Idol fandom at the time and looking back at BJ now, I'm not sure I understand what the whole "covergate" thing was about - I mean, Ryan clearly said it was Chris Cornell's version of BJ so what was the fuss all about?

ETA: CHEST BUMP FTW!!! Love it! LOL. This was one of the few group performances they all seemed to really have a good time doing.

Haha! Yeah Cookie was in an extra happy dancing mood during this group number. Gotta love the chest bump

First Billie Jean, and then the chest bump in the group number. What a night!

That performance was epic and so was the chest bump.

I think that Billie Jean was, indeed, the one song that made everyone sit up and take notice. I had forgotten how powerful it was until seeing it again for the umpteenth time tonight against everyone else. David was so far ahead, it was almost silly.

Jeannine

Everytime I see the commercials for the new American Idol season and the people say "I'm going to be the next American Idol", I just want to say Hey we have our American Idol, but thanks for playing! lol

And how perfect was it that he drew the final performance spot? The fine performances by MJ, Syesha, and (dare I say it) KLC were all of sudden over-shadowed with this work of brilliance.

I did get the DVD set on Ebay of all of DC's performances. Very wonderful..............
I've so enjoyed watching all of the contestants re-perform. I think I'm going to have to get a DVD recorder to record what I have. What a wonderful season!!! Absolutely beautiful people! I am so excited about nxt week!