American Idol: the Davids
Okay, so I watch “American Idol.” So sue me.
I see it as a brief weekly escape from our drab, wretched lives, a la Michelle Obama. I see it as a continuing soap opera with music, although the sort of pop stuff the contestants tend to sing is not what I usually like to listen to—with the exception of Jason Castro, who sang one by Leonard Cohen (sigh) and one by Bob Dylan.
Last night’s final featured the Two Davids, Cook and Archuleta, both very telegenic and personable young men. Hey, if I were sixteen, I’d give either of them a run for their money, although I think I’d favor Cook, who’s got more of an edge.
Archuleta has no edge at all. He’s all round, treacly, puppy-dog-eyed softness. But lest you think I say that with cynicism, let me state he’s completely won me over with his combination of heartfelt sincerity and his angelic voice.
Yes, angelic. It’s not a word I often use, although it’s a word that’s been used a lot for Archuleta (just Google “archuleta angelic” and you’ll see what I mean). But it fits. His voice has a pure quality that is so rare and so sweet that the word comes to mind, unbidden.
I don’t care a hoot who wins; I haven’t voted at all (I’m not that far gone). But for those of you who haven’t heard Archuleta, I offer you the following to convince you to either agree with me or mock me, as you wish.
Instead of posting one of his socko, over-the-top finale songs, I’m choosing an earlier and more subtle effort, “Heaven.” It not only has the proper “angelic” title, but I think it conveys Archuleta’s uncanny ability to tackle songs with words and sentiments geared to much older performers and yet to deliver them with a convincing depth that belies his tender years, while retaining his air of innocence:
Okay, I can’t resist adding one from last night’s final. It’s a song I’ve really never much cared for, “Imagine.” But watch Archuleta knock it out of the park and into the stratosphere:
It’s one of my guilty pleasures, too. I believe, no matter the winner, this was, by far, the most talented group ever.
I, too, am leaning towards David Cook, for his rawness and seemingly “ready for prime-time” persona. With that said, Archuleta was spectacular last night. It should be based, though, on the overall performances, from when the serious competition began.
In that case, Cook is clearly the stronger performer. But, because they allow unlimited votes per person, I believe every teenie bopper on the planet voted for Archuleta. Not that he isn’t talented, but just not deserving, overall, of being the next “Idol”. We shall see……….
Barb: At the risk of sounding like Mrs. Robinson, I lean towards Cook in the more personal department, if you know what I mean. But I think Archuleta deserves to win.
My wife made me watch “Idol” the past two years, and I have to admit that contrary to my expectations, I have enjoyed it quite a bit. We’re both amateur singers. I think David A. has more “natural” talent–a better set of pipes. But he also does some things to the songs belie a real musical sophistication– I understand both his parents are musically talented, so he’s probably heard music all his life. I like the way David C. studies a song–he really works at his chosen craft, and clearly loves music.
Lord, neo, how fallen! First a jello dissertation and now American Idol. Be careful! Very careful! You might not be able to get back.
Yeah, I’m not really a fan of “Imagine,” either. Someday I’ll make a music video of the song overlaid with images of all the tragedies and murders perpetrated by communism, aetheism, etc.
Neo–Archuleta is just way too sappy, immature and saccharine for me and everything that passes through the Archuleta machine and comes out of those children’s teeth emerges as goo.
I think that David Cook, mindful of how much an “American Idol” contract would force him to be in servitude to 19 Productions and forced to sing their crappy songs as other winners have had to do, deliberately took a dive last night, particularly by choosing the last song he did. Result; he still gets a lot of publicity and a steady gig for a few months on tour, during which time he can try to put together an independent career on his terms, free of the confining demands of 19 Productions.
While I am at it, Randy is an idiot who cannot string two words together without a “Yo, Dog” and his phony gang hand signals. As for Paula; well you, Neo, would be much more familiar than I with the effects of too much drugs and alcohol on someone of limited intelligence who, even in the best of times, has a problem with coherence. Simon, obnoxious as he is, is usually the only judge who really knows what’s happening and says what he observes and thinks about it. Having said that, I think that at one time or another each and every one of these judges, and sometimes all three together, have abandoned impartiality and put their fingers on the scale to influence who will win.
Finally, I am particularly suspicious of voting in which we never see the tallies nor have any objective observer insuring that such tallies are legitimate and accurately reported.
Count me as another guy who got sucked into AI against my will and ended up enjoying it. I wish the Irish girl with the scary husband had won it, but like David Cook second. I admit that Archuleta is a real natural talent. My wife told me something interesting about his soft voice: she said he has just one vocal chord! I wonder if that’s how Mel Torme did it. I have no idea where she got that info, may be totally bogus. She probably read it on a blog 😉
Keep up the good work.
You don’t vote? YOU DON’T VOTE!? Oh. My. God.
I like to think I’m decently intelligent and I not only watch but I vote repetively…what the heck, it’s so mindlessly easy to keep hitting the redial. It was very hard not to get the busy signal dialing any of the David Cook numbers so I suspected he would be the winner. I liked them both quite a lot from the beginning but as the season progressed, I became partial to the more mature artistry of Cook. Hope winning the title doesn’t set him back.
“Song for Mulliga”
Imagine there’s no liberals
It’s easy if you whine
No one to blame for everything
Your whole worldview’d run dry
Imagine all the liberals
Turning into you!
Woo hoo, ouuuuu ouuuuu
You may say I’m a schemer
And you’re not the only one
But I hope one day, you’ll run out
And learn to blame yourself for once
David A. should have won. David C. is good but recognizable, a known quantity, much like many before him. David A., with his soaring voice and transparent emotionality, is something else again, something well beyond the common run of pop talent. You’re right, Neo — the word “angelic” irresistibly presents itself.
I watched your “Heaven” clip. Oh heck, I’ll confess, I watched it twice. For a sense of David A’s power, watch it once more yourself and, instead of looking at David A., focus on the people listening to him. Even Simon looks stunned. The back-up singers aren’t working on this number, so they’re just standing idly on the sidelines, waiting to be needed, maybe a little bored at first. They must have heard thousands of fine voices — that’s their job. But as they listen to this kid, they’re transfixed. You can see it in every line of their bodies. At second 40, one of them wipes away tears.
Thank God, the American people proved me wrong, and Cook won!! Clearly, he’s the one who was meant to. Good for him, as he will do well, should he choose to further pursue music as a career.
Personally, I was rooting for Syesha all season. I thought she had the whole package; powerful, gorgeous voice and awesome face and body to match. I wouldn’t be too surprised to see her have the biggest career out of the bunch this year.
Mrs Whatsit: Yes, I noticed the reactions you’re talking about.
Even though I thought David A should have won, I’m virtually certain he will have some sort of wonderful career anyway. As will David C.
Yes, I agree, both David A. and David C. will have great careers — as will Syesha, on Broadway, I’ll bet. Past seasons show that AI singers don’t have to win to do well afterward (Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson) and that winning’s no guarantee of success beyond the show (Taylor Hicks, Ruben Stoddard). Winning might even be a detriment, since it ties the singer to the requirements of AI’s contract for some time thereafter.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to whatever both Davids do next.
I was glad Cook won. He is very talented.
Hey, if it’s put out by Fox, it’s got to be good!