David Cook's Incredible Tuesday Night Performance of Lionel Richie's "Hello"

If you missed this standout performance by Missouri's own David Cook, it's definitely worth watching!

Blake Lewis Returning to Idol 3-6-08

Blake Lewis will make a return to Idol later this week during elimination week. Here's a clip of Blake performing "Break Anotha'" on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Top 8 Guys Wow Judges and Fans Last Night!

The girls really have their work cut out for them this year. After watching the top 8 guys perform last night I couldn't believe that so many of them gave incredible performances. Although he didn't wow the judges as much as last week, David Archuleta continues consistently crankin' out show-stopping performances. He sang Phil Collin's "Another Day in Paradise." Last night his vocals were great (as usual) and he definitely infused the song with his own unique style. I enjoyed his piano playing too, brief as it was. As Randy Jackson would say, he "made it his own."

David Cook gave THE performance of the night (in my opinion). In case you missed it, he sang Lionel Richie's "Hello." I will work on getting a video on here ASAP. Other standouts of the night included Jason Castro's smooth performance of "Hallelujah." Leaving his guitar behind, I think he really proved that he can sing and he always seems to enjoy what he's doing! Simon was even impressed calling it "absolutely brilliant."

Finally, despite unflattering recent reports that could have potentially eliminated him from the show David Hernandez gave a strong performance of Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."

Joplin, MO Native Asia'h Epperson's Touching Atlanta Audition

David Archuleta Performing Bryan Adams' "Heaven" During Hollywood Week

David Archuleta's Impressive San Diego Audition

David Archuleta Amazes With Imagine

Here it is...the incredible performance that confirmed David A. as the performer to beat.

Heartbreaking Night For Four As They Say Goodbye

Last night proved to be another nail biting elimination night on American Idol. America said goodbye to Jason Yeager, Alaina Whitaker, Alexandrea Lushington, and Robbie Carrico.

I was especially disappointed to see Alaina Whitaker (the Carrie Underwood look-alike) go, only 16-years-old from Tulsa, OK. Her elimination was pretty surprising to me. Although Simon criticized her fashion sense this week, he also mentioned that he thought she was a "dark horse" in the competition and I've always liked her voice. I was really hoping to see her make it to the top 12. She was visibly shaken by last night and didn't think she could sing, but the other girls stepped up to provide support and she was able to get through Spiral Staircase's "More Today Than Yesterday."

Brooke White Was "Happy Together" Wednesday Night

Brooke White gave an enjoyable performance of The Turtle's "Happy Together" last night. Although she was close to leaving her guitar out of the performance, she decided at the last minute to include it, and I'm so glad she did. I think if the artist can maintain top notch vocals while playing an instrument, then all the better. . . it's like icing on the cake.

The 24-year-old Mesa, AZ native got overall good reviews from the judges and seemed pleased with her performance. I think Brooke is so likable and sweet. I wish Simon would stop giving her a hard time for being a "good girl." I respect her for having values and standards for her life and think we'll be seeing a lot more of this talented young lady.

David Hernandez Shows His Talent With "In The Midnight Hour"

After his standout performance of "In The Midnight Hour" this Tuesday, David Hernandez should fly through to next week. A little more soft-spoken than some of the other contestants, I think some underestimate his vocal abilities. Even so, judge Randy Jackson said, " I like that you started with a gospel vibe..." Paula Abdul complimented his "brilliant vocals" and Simon added an encouraging (sort of) "It was actually better than I thought it would be."

This 24-year-old Glendale, AZ has sort of an Elliot Yamin thing goin' on, yet he has his own distinctive sound. His musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Alicia Keys.

David Cook American Idol Rocker and MO Native

Although I agree with Simon that David Archuleta is the one to beat this season, there were several other performances worth noting Tuesday night when the boys took the stage. David Cook, a fellow MO native and self-proclaimed "word nerd" (love that!) revealed that he loves doing crossword puzzles. His performance of The Turtle's "Happy Together" was pretty awesome.

Although Randy said, "You worked it out... dude, it was crazy!" (That's a compliment.) D.C. seemed to take it pretty hard when Simon criticized his performance. Understandably so, but he might fair better in the future to take it with a grain of salt. It is just one person's opinion after all. Interestingly, when David C. was asked in an interview, "Who is your favorite judge and why?" His answer was, "Simon, because he's such a smart aleck I kind of can be too." Maybe they're just 2 of kind, in that way, just a thought?

All things aside, David Cook has a great rock voice and can definitely sing. We're hoping to see much more of him this season. . . .Rock on!

Recap Of Tuesday Night's Idol-David Archuleta Was the Star. . .Again!

Tuesday night's episode of American Idol was really good. Some of the boys gave an okay performance, but several really stepped it up and did a great job. At the end of the night, few could disagree that young David Archuleta gave a truly amazing performance of John Lennon's Imagine (which was my high school class song by the way)! The audience and judges were so moved by the 17-year-old's incredible talent and outstanding vocal skills. He truly made the song his own, and personally I preferred his version to John Lennon's. Did you catch the clip of him singing as an 11-year-old to the American Idol contestants (Kelly Clarkson was front and center) from Season 1? If not, you can check out the clip at the bottom of this page.

Results Of Last Week's American Idol

Last Thursday night 4 of the Idol contestants were sent home. Amy Davis from Lowell, IN and Joanne Borgella from Hoboken, NJ were the unlucky girls that had to say goodbye. On the boy's side it was Colton Berry from Staunton, VA and Garrett Haley of Elida, OH that received the bad news.
These individuals are all clearly talented, but I can't say that I'm too terribly surprised at who America voted to keep. The competition this season is particularly fierce and I've sensed more variety in styles this season.
Although Jason Castro was the only one to take advantage of the new ruling to allow contestants to play instruments, I look forward to seeing more of this. I think it really allows us to get a more accurate view of individual talent.

Simon's Right! David Archuleta Was the Star Last Night!

Although I had a few favorites last night (Aussie Micheal Johns, David Cook, and Jason Castro from TX) David Archuleta stole the show! Not only was his performance incredible, but his humble reaction to the judge's comments was even more endearing. I think America is gonna love Archuleta and won't be surprised at all if he makes it to the finale.

Please scroll down the page to see David several years ago performing in Star Search. You can read more about his Star Search Junior Singer win by clicking here.

And the American Idol Season 7 Top 24 Contestants Are. . .

As you probably already know if you caught last Wednesday's episode of Idol, the final contestants took that long ride up the elevator where they met the judges face-to-face and learned whether they would be joining the top 24 or going home. I think the talent this season promises to be phenomenal. Here are the top 24:

Alaina Whitaker, age: 16 from Tulsa, OK.
Alexandrea Lushington, age: 16, Atlanta, GA.
Amanda Overmyer, age: 23, Mulberry, IN.
Amy Davis, age: 25, Cedar Lake, IN.
Asia'h Epperson, age: 19, Joplin, MO.
Brooke White, age: 24, Van Nuys, CA.
Carly Smithson, age: 24, Dublin, Ireland.
Chikeze Eze, age: 22, Inglewood, CA.
Colton Berry, age: 17, Staunton, VA.
Danny Noriega, age: 18, Azusa, CA.
David Archuleta, age: 17, Salt Lake City, UT.
David Cook, age: 25, Tulsa, OK.
David Hernandez, age: 24, Phoenix, AZ.
Garrett Haley, age: 17, Elida, OH.
Jason Castro, age: 20, Rowlett, TX.
Jason Yeager, age: 28, Grand Prarie, TX.
Joann Borgella, age: 25, Hoboken, NJ.
Kady Maloy, age: 18, Houston, TX.
Kristy Lee Cook, age: 24, Selma, OR.
Luke Menard, age: 29, Crawfordsville, IN.
Michael Johns, age: 29, Los Angeles, CA.
Ramiele Malubay, age: 20, Miramar, FL.
Robbie Carrico, age: 26, Melbourne, FL.
Syesha Mercado, age: 21, Miami, FL.

There are 8 contestants still in their teens, 2 Jasons from TX, 3 Davids, 2 from Tulsa, 3 from FL, 4 from CA, and one from Ireland. Please let me know what you think about this season's contestants and any early predications on who will be in the finals?

American Idol Season 7 Favorites

American Idol has released their Season 7 Top 24 Contestant biographies. Although we have a long time to get to the finals, I already have some personal favorites. Nineteen-year-old Asia'h Epperson from our nearby Joplin, MO has overcome amazingly heartbreaking circumstances to earn her place in the top 24. Shortly before her Atlanta auditions she received the tragic news that her father had passed away in an accident. Showing amazing strength, her impressive audition was beautifully dedicated to her dad.
David Archuleta, only 17, from Salt Lake City has also proven he has remarkable star quality and an incredible voice. When he auditioned in San Diego, he seemed truly greatful and humble upon learning he was going to Hollywood. David definitely has charm, charisma, quiet charisma, and is very likeable.
Judging from the auditions, this season is unquestionably chock full of talented performers. We're looking forward to seeing the season unfold and catching some amazing performances in the process!

Carrie Underwood's Latest Video, "All American Girl"