Laura MacCorkle

EDITOR’S “EDITOR’S NOTE”:  Is the truth really out there?  Coworker Chad and I are beginning to wonder.  Seriously.  Especially after last night’s strange performances (classics from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and the judges’ corresponding, conveniently too-harsh or not-too-harsh comments.  Read more from our regular, morning-after-the-performances American Idol Season 7 chat.

Laura Mac says:  Hey, friend.

Chad says:  Hola.

Laura Mac says:  Okay, after last night's "Rock & Roll Hall of LAME" performances, I'm thinking that American Idol is now officially a conspiracy.  An Archuleta Conspiracy, if you will.

Chad says:  I can't disagree with you.  I think that David A. has somehow hypnotized the judges.  Randy's constant gushing is now as predictable as Archuleta singing a slow, emotional song.

Chad says:  Either way, I am convinced after last night that there is no way David A. doesn't win this. 

Laura Mac says:  Yeah.  It feels like it is a done deal.  And I was really saddened that it seems like Simon has now officially finished his cup of Kool-Aid, too.  I just can't believe it.

Chad says:  It is surely a sign of the end times.

Laura Mac says:  We're counting on Simon to say what we're thinking.  And now he's sold out.  For the love ...

Chad says:  I don't know what to say.  Maybe I'm being too hard on Archuleta.  I fully admit he has a good voice, even a great voice.  It's just that his singing has so little personality.  I expect him to be a huge hit in the "elevator music" genre.

Laura Mac says:  Yes.  I think he'll pull from the Josh Groban and Clay Aiken fan bin (which I think you've said before).  But back to conspiracy ... I have a theory about Syesha now. 

Chad says:  I can't wait.

Laura Mac says:  I think she was milking the crying last night.  BIG TIME.  I didn't buy it for a minute that the tears were genuine ... AT ALL.  I think she cranked 'em out for the sympathy vote and so maybe she could cancel out some Castro.  He did so poorly that I think she needed something to make her seem more of a sad case than he is/was.  What do you think?

Chad says:  Well, I don't think Castro could have done worse if he were trying to get the boot, but more on that in a bit.  I think you are right on the money RE Syesha.  She's probably picked up on what we and others have been saying for a while.  She is technically great, but she fails to connect on a personal level with the public.  She was probably trying to change that.  However …

Chad says:  I think last night could really, really backfire on her.  At least it should.  She repeatedly went on and on about how that song ["A Change Is Gonna Come"] was released during the civil rights movement and she now really connects with it on a whole new level.  I'm sorry, but being in the bottom three on American Idol is HARDLY the same thing as the civil rights movement.  If almost getting voted off helps you connect to the meaning of that song in a deeper way, then you have no idea what that movement was about.

Laura Mac says:  Well, I’m sure the studio for Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? isn't too far away.  Probably just a short walk across the FOX lot. 

Chad says:  Whoa.

Laura Mac says:  But seriously.  COME ON.  I'm having a hard time believing anything on AI right now.  Especially after Paula's snafu last week ... judging Castro on his second song BEFORE he even performed it LIVE on the show.  How planned are the judges’ comments?  And are they based on just the rehearsals? 

Chad says:  Yeah, it does seem like there is a serious attempt being made to get the "right people" in to the finals.  I was a little surprised by the ferocity of the judges’ reactions to Jason.  I mean, overall the night was a disaster for him, but I didn't think the first song was quite as bad as they made it sound.  I expected Simon to rush the stage with his chair and beat him with it.  It's pretty clear they want Jason gone.

Laura Mac says:  Well, I think they could also be messing w/our minds RE the popularity of Archuleta.  What if his votes are lower than what Cook and Castro are getting? 

Laura Mac says:  Think about it.  And, by controlling what the judges say to each contestant, FOX can control the perception (to an extent) of the viewers.  And thusly affect how they will vote or not vote for the various contestants. 

Laura Mac says:  I think it's possible.  And I'm not trying to go all X-Files on you, but I really think something could be going on.

Laura Mac says:  Stir up an Archuleta frenzy, and the kids will vote.  Skewer a dreadlocked dude and maybe his fans will vote back with a vengeance.

Laura Mac says:  So maybe by doing that, they will build up the finale between Archuleta and whoever else is truly getting the most votes right now (Castro?).  And that's how they get some good (and better, since AI's not doing well this season) ratings.

Laura Mac says:  And maybe Archuleta won't win after all.

Chad says:  I can't tell you how much I hope you are right.  There's no doubt that American Idol has an interest in steering the direction of the show.  There are two things that make me think David A. really is as popular as we think.  1)  He has never been in the bottom three.  Historically, that's not an easy thing to do.  2)  The roar from the audience when he took the stage last night blew the other contestants away.  That was when I resigned myself to the fact that he is a juggernaut that cannot be stopped.

Chad says:  But I hope I'm wrong on that

Laura Mac says:  Well.  I'll just say this.  I wouldn’t be surprised if David Cook goes home tonight.  It will be another "shocker" and get people talking about AI again and bring in more viewers.  I think it's highly possible.  Besides, didn't Daughtry get booted when there were only four contestants left?

Chad says:  Yes.  This was the week that Daughtry went home.  My normal prediction is that Syesha will go home.  So far, she's done a great job at showing how little I know.  I thought Jason Castro was another contestant that had way too strong a following.  But after last night, I don't know.  I'd be really surprised if it isn't his night.

Chad says:  Of course, now that I finally pick someone other than Syesha I figure it will probably be her.

Laura Mac says:  Anything else you want to say RE last night?  I thought the performances, for the most part, were lame.  Poor song selections across the board.  Even Cook didn't wow me.  He's was just okay.

Chad says: My thoughts exactly.  I'd only add this - this is the single strangest season of Idol I can recall. 

Laura Mac says:  I blame global warming.

Chad says:  Amen.

Laura Mac says:  Better get back to work and knock out some things on our to-do lists.  This will surely help offset the potentially negative effects of chat-intensive moments like this and make for a more efficient, chat-neutral workplace.

Chad says:  And that's what the world really needs after all.

Chad says:  Talk to you tomorrow

Laura Mac says:  Peace and chai tea.

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EDITOR’S “EDITOR’S NOTE”:  On last night’s elimination on American Idol Season 7, it was an emotional fade to black for Brooke White who tearfully said goodbye.  It was also an occasion for Neil Diamond’s declaration of “Pretty Amazing Grace.”  See what Coworker Chad and I think about this, as well as the continued mysterious adoration of all things David Archuleta, in our regular AI chat.

Laura Mac says:  Ready to rock some AI chat?

Chad says:  Ready as I'll ever be.

Laura Mac says:  Okay, so I really don't have much to say about last night's elimination.  Brooke White fades to black.  'Nough said?

Chad says:  Not really a surprise.  ‘Nough said.

Laura Mac says:  Well, wait.  One thing.  I did appreciate that she showed some emotion and was crying when she performed her last song onstage.  I think I missed seeing some of that humanness last week when Carly got the boot.  So it was nice to see that Idol contestants have feelings, too.

Chad says:  Yeah.  As you know, I have been a Brooke fan since the start.  I'm sad to see her go, but I don't think it was the wrong thing to happen.  I think there was probably an element of relief last night.  I know the criticism really got to her and it has showed in her performances.  The relief of the weight of that stress being lifted off must be overwhelming.

Laura Mac says:  Yes.  I'm sure.  But the most important thing is ... her hair looked GREAT!  And, speaking for the female set out there, if your hair looks great then ... well ... that's half the battle.   

Chad says:  There have never been truer words spoken.

Laura Mac says:  Also having a good hair night was Natasha Bedingfield who performed her latest single.  I like her, but I what I didn't like was the fact that she made a beeline for Archuleta on the safe couch after she was done.  What was THAT all about?  What Machiavellian power does the Archuleta hold over these people?????

Chad says:  That is the question to be answered.  It is completely beyond me.  I just don't get it.  Particularly since his vocals have been uncharacteristically weak lately.  I heard notes out of tune on Tuesday - which is a first.  He butchered his solo last night.  Why does he get a pass on that stuff?  I think everyone fell so hard for him early on that they just don't hear what the others hear. 

Chad says:  And while I'm on the subject, let me complain about one other thing that is driving me nuts about David A.  This syrupy sweet, cute and innocent, “I'm just glad to be here” act.  Last night it appeared that they were going to need to administer CPR after Ryan told him he was safe (can you picture the stampede that would ensue when they asked if someone could do mouth to mouth?).  Come on. 

Chad says:  Like he was worried for a second.

Laura Mac says:  Pure EEEEE-vil.

Chad says:  I'm trying to like him.  I really am. 

Laura Mac says:  I predict that he will be exposed in the finals.  And in a good way.  America will finally see his skills for what they aren’t.

Chad says:  Well, if he doesn't expose himself before then, a head-to-head match up against David Cook should lay bare the true talent differential.

Laura Mac says:  One can only hope and pray.

Chad says:  Speaking of hoping and praying, what did you think of Neil Diamond last night?

Laura Mac says:  EXACTLY!!!!!  I've been wondering what his new single, "Pretty Amazing Grace," means.  Is he talking faith or is he talking girlfriend?  I listened to it again online this morning and still can't figure it out. 

Chad says:  I wondered the same thing at the start, but as the song went on I thought it was pretty solidly a faith song.  "Pretty Amazing Grace" could be about a woman named Grace, but in light of the rest of the lyrics it was pretty "churchy" to me.  There were just too many phrases and concepts that believers would recognize right away.

Laura Mac says:  Well, it's puzzling.  I couldn't find any in-depth interviews yet where he discussed the meaning.  The disc doesn't drop 'til next week, so maybe there will be some discussion about it and its meaning after that.  Until then ... who knows.  Maybe the Diamond got saved.  That would be great.

Chad says:  True dat.

Laura Mac says:  Okay, so next week is "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" week.  I have no idea what that will mean.  Perform any song by a RRH of famer?  Or appearances by special bands/artists who have been inducted into the RRHF? 

Chad says:  Yeah, I wonder exactly what the parameters will be.  I prefer they have a little more freedom in their song choices.  We tend to get better performances.  When contestants are limited to one artist, it can be difficult for them to find a song that works for their voice. 

Laura Mac says:  I wonder who the oldest, living RRHF inductee is.  It would be fun to see someone like that trotted out ... well, make that rolled out ... on the AI stage.  But he/she would probably fall under the spell and make a beeline for Archuleta, too. 

Laura Mac says:  I guess every season has the contestant who reaches "cult status."  Maybe that's what Archuleta is for Season 7.  In fact, I'm surprised that "crying girl" isn't back in the audience and crying for him.  Wasn't she the one who was crying over Sanjaya last season?

Chad says:  Oh man, I had forgotten about her.  That was one of the funniest American Idol shows of all time.  Crying girl is what AI7 desperately needs.

Laura Mac says:  Seriously. Okay, I'm Archuleta'd out.  Let's go back to work.

Laura Mac says:  TTY next week.

Chad says:  I can't wait

Laura Mac says:  You always say that.

Chad says:  It's true.

Laura Mac says:  You've got the AI fever.

Chad says:  I love this show.  I'm just glad we have So You Think You Can Dance coming up to help us with the letdown of the season end.

Chad says:  Did I just say that out loud?

Laura Mac says:  Indeed.  But again, your secret is safe with me.

Laura Mac says:  C-ya.

Chad says:  Later.

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EDITOR’S “EDITOR’S NOTE”:  A diamond’s worth is determined by the 4 C’s:  carat, clarity, color and cut.  But when it comes to judging the quality of last night’s performances (two each for each contestant) of Neil Diamond hits on American Idol Season 7 … well, let’s just say that some other “C’s” need to be considered.  Coolness, creativity, and perhaps cockamamy-ness.  As usual, Coworker Chad and I discuss in our latest round of AI chatter. …

Chad says:  Yo.

Laura Mac says:  Feeling all sparkly and glittery after Diamond night?

Chad says:  Oh my.  I'm feeling something, but I wouldn’t call it sparkly.

Laura Mac says:  Well, let's see if we can get to the bottom of that.  I'll say the name of a contestant and the two songs performed.  And you can share your thots. 

Laura Mac says:  Is it a Diamond deal?

Chad says:  This is more complicated that it sounds.  I'm told even professional judges can mess this process up.

Laura Mac says:  Okay, well just hang on to Neil’s overgrown sideburns, and let's give it a whirl.

Laura Mac says:  Jason Castro:  "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "September Morn"

Chad says:  “Forever in Blue Jeans” is a favorite of mine.  There were parts of it I really liked - and moments when I thought he probably wouldn't be the best singer at the karaoke bar.  By all rights, Jason should be the next to go.

Laura Mac says:  Agreed.  And I have nothing more to add.  The LMac rests on that.

Laura Mac says:  Okay, next.  David Cook:  "I'm Alive" and "All I Really Need Is You"

Chad says:  As usual, the best performances of the night.  I know I've said this before, but the competition can end here and now.  There is no need to go on.  David Cook is far and away the best contestant of this competition.  You'd have to be crazy or a love-struck tween to think any different.

Laura Mac says:  Well, his first performance scared me a bit.  I thought it was not typical Cook at all.  Perhaps it was just the song selection, but I felt that his performance was off. 

Chad says:  I agree with that.

Laura Mac says:  Thankfully, he redeemed himself with "All I Really Need Is You."  I agreed with the judges, although I wish Randy would've yelled out "hot, molten lava bomb" again.  But alas, he did not.

Laura Mac says:  Okay, moving on.  Brooke White:  "I'm a Believer" and "I Am ... I Said"

Chad says:  Ironically, "I'm a Believer" nearly destroyed my faith in Brooke.  When it was done, I was convinced she should be the next to go.  You know I've been a Brooke fan from the start, but come on.  Two train-wreck weeks followed by that.  It was terrible.  So, I was pleasantly surprised by song two.  For the first time in weeks I felt like the old Brooke was there somewhere.

Chad says:  I still think she is in trouble, but she may have bought another week.

Laura Mac says:  Yes, she's not as versatile as the rest.  But she's got some talent.  Maybe she will have a career as a songwriter, more so than a performer.

Laura Mac says:  She does get some bonus points for choosing a song ("I Am ... I Said") with all the difficult jumps between notes.  That's hard to do and not wobble or go sharp or flat.  So, hats off to her for moxie.

Chad says:  When she is in the groove I really enjoy her, but I don't see her making the top 3.

Laura Mac says:  Agreed.  Someone who probably WILL be in the top three, irritatingly enough, is the boy wonder, David Archuleta:  "Sweet Caroline" and "America"

Chad says:  If you look back to our conversation last week, what were the two songs I said I wanted to hear Cook sing?  Of course, the other David ends up singing both.  I just don't get it.  He's a cute little 17-year-old, yippie.  Please, America, for the love of everything decent and holy, stop the insanity.  I don't get Randy.  Randy is completely gaga over Archuleta.  I just don't get it.

Chad says:  Okay, rant over.

Laura Mac says:  Well ... I guess we won't really know if something shady's going down w/Randy man and David A. until Archuleta shows up on Randy's next Music Club disc.  Still, David A. doesn't get the same "molten hot lava bomb" love that Cook gets.  So ... there is a difference. 

Laura Mac says:  But I agree w/you on Archuleta.  I really couldn't stomach either song last night. 

Laura Mac says:  It just sounded wrong.

Chad says:  No, he was off last night.

Chad says:  Not to mention, I think this proves the point we both have been making.  He is a one-trick pony.  Last night was the first time he has ventured out even a little bit and it was a flop.  He can only sing one kind of song.

Laura Mac says:  Well, I think it's highly possible that "Up With People" called him up after the show and asked for their songs back.  It just felt very touring-music-company-doing-a-performance-at-a-shopping-mall-stage-near-you-ISH.

Chad say:  LOL!

Laura Mac says:  Okay, let's talk about Sy-Sy now (and I don’t know why I’m calling her that … but I guess since it’s my blog, I can call her what I want to).  Syesha Mercado:  "Hello Again" and "Thank the Lord for the Nighttime"

Chad says:  I don't know about you, but I think Syesha is finally starting to shine.  I think at this point she is probably the second best vocalist and probably the second best performer.  We are finally seeing the early potential realized.

Chad says:  That being said, I still think she is in trouble.  I wouldn't be surprised to see her go home tonight.  (I'm going to keep predicting that until it happens.)

Laura Mac says:  I must say, her "Hello Again" was pleasant.  She has a warm, buttery tone to her vocals.  However, I just don't think she's got all the polish she needs to really make it.  Frequently she'll come in just a hair under the pitch.  And sometimes when she is holding out the long notes, I feel like she's not 100% into it.  It's like she's 90% committed.  But 10% of her is still unsure or is making a mental grocery list.

Laura Mac says:  I think the judges are right.  She has a career ahead of her in musical theater.  And that's where she should go.  It's worked for other AI finalists, so why not Sy-Sy.

Laura Mac says:  Unless there is the biggest upset tonight in the history of American Idol EVER (David Cook), I think it's got to be curtains for Jason, Syesha or Brooke.  But I don't know which one has the strongest fan base to keep 'me in the game.  Maybe Castro, since he's cute and male and all. 

Laura Mac says:  Any final thots?

Chad says:  Once again, your gift of wisdom shines bright.  You are right on the money with Syesha, and that's not a bad thing.  Musical theater seems to be something she has a passion for and I can think of a lot worse things than doing something you are good at and enjoy.  So - who will it be tonight?  I think Jason or Syesha.  It should be Jason, but he may have enough of a following to avoid elimination.

Chad says:  I don't see Brooke going home ONLY because there will be enough of her fans that were relieved she finally pulled out a good performance.  I was ready to give up on her and send her home, but she won me back once again.  If David Cook goes home, though, I'm throwing my TV away.

Laura Mac says:  Me, too.  In fact, I'll stop watching AI altogether if the Cook leaves the kitchen.  Seriously.  This could be our last chat on this subject.  We might have to start chatting about ... GASP ... Dancing with the Stars.  Or something.

Chad says:  Hmmmm.  I don't see that happening.

Chad says:  Unless Cook gets voted off.  In that case, please just come with bail money.  I'll be going postal at that point.

Laura Mac says:  Okay.  Will do.  And I'll bring your favorite Mickey Mouse coffee mug to you as well.  Oh, one more thing ... no one performed "Heartlight" last night.  That makes me sad.

Chad says:  There were so many great Neil Diamond songs left unsung.  Oh, well. 

Laura Mac says:  Maybe Neil will sing it tonight.  Fingers crossed.  Sparkly jumpsuit at the ready. 

Chad says:  I pulled mine out of moth balls.

Laura Mac says:  Ewwwwwww.

Chad says:  The jump suit, that is.

Laura Mac says:  Right, right.

Laura Mac says:  More on this tomorrow. ...

Chad says:  Later.

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EDITOR’S “EDITOR’S NOTE”:  For last night’s elimination on American Idol Season 7, America “pulled a Michael Johns” by ousting one of the most talented contestants left:  Carly Smithson.  See what Coworker Chad and I think about this latest turn of shocking events in our instant-message wrap-up from earlier this morning.

Chad says:  Hey.  You okay this morning?  I know you must be grief stricken after last night.  Your second favorite, gone just like that.

Laura Mac says:  Well.  Actually I feel more like I've seen a ghost.  "The Ghost of Michael Johns Past."  UN-SCARY-BELIEVABLE.  What happened??????

Chad says:  No idea.  I figured Carly Smithson wouldn't make it to the top four, but I was surprised to see her go last night.  She had a really good performance.

Chad says:  I'm still in shock that the two worst performances of the night - Jason and Brooke weren't either of the bottom two.

Laura Mac says:  They must have a REALLY tight fan base that will keep voting 'til there's no one left.

Laura Mac says:  Jason looked dazed and confused.  And Brooke knew she'd been granted a miracle.

Laura Mac says:  I just can't figure out America's voting pattern.  Makes no sense.

Chad says:  Brooke looked like she was going to have a heart attack.

Chad says:  This makes me worried for David Cook.

Laura Mac says:  Yes.  Because now it appears that popularity REALLY is trumping talent.  More so than I thought.  So David's goose may be ... well ... cooked. 

Laura Mac says:  Especially next week, since Neil Diamond will be in the house.  I don't get that choice of mentor AT ALL.

Chad says:  Man, I love Neil Diamond.  He is the man!  I mean, he's no Dolly Parton, but he's awesome.

Laura Mac says:  Okay, I'm just going to pretend you didn't say that.

Laura Mac says:  So ... next week.  Who will fare the best under the tutelage of The Diamond?

Chad says:  David Archuleta, definitely.  I predict he sings a slow ballad with a very touching message with his eyes closed. 

Laura Mac says:  Hmmm … "Heartlight," perhaps?  Eat your heart out E.T.!

Chad says:  Actually, I expect a great performance from Cook again.  Neil Diamond has some very catchy, recognizable tunes that I can see being great rock songs with a different arrangement.  I also think it will be a good week for Brooke.  A lot of sort of folksy songs to choose from.

Laura Mac says:  I think Cook will select "America."  He can rock it out.

Laura Mac says:  And maybe Brooke will pick "Sweet Caroline."

Chad says:  That would be awesome.

Chad says:  Those would be two very good song choices. 

Chad says:  I'm a closet Neil Diamond fan, so I admit I'm more excited about next week than most.

Laura Mac says:  Okay, well ... your secret is safe with me.  Ahem.

Laura Mac says:  Any final thots on Carly’s surprise exodus last night?

Chad says:  I wasn't a big fan, but I was a little sad to see her go.  She was a colorful contestant with a big voice.  I also thought she deserved to stay for a couple more weeks.

Laura Mac says:  Yes, I think so, too.  From now on, I think it's anyone's guess on who will go out each week.  

Laura Mac says:  And I suppose that's what's keeping us all hooked.

Chad says:  I'm hooked on Cook, and I will start voting to make sure he makes it to the end.

Laura Mac says:  Me too.

Chad says:  All true Christians should do the same. Just kidding.

Laura Mac says:  Gosh.  There's so much o' the snarky I could say.  But I shan't and shall stay the meek and mild little lassie that I am.

Laura Mac says:  Until next week, bro ...

Chad says:  Later.

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