I tuned in after Amanda sang. I wasn't impressed with anyone tonight either. Jason Castro sang ok, but there was no feeling. He needed passion for that song. I can't remember most of the other people. I'm blaming it on yet another Beatles week and the contestants having no real idea what the songs were when they picked them.

I liked both Davids tonight ...David Cook is becoming my favorite contestant I think. I liked Michael John's song (despite the judge's comments). I thought Syesha and Chikezee did good too. I really don't care much for Amanda, too 'Janis Joplin-ish' for me.

David Cook did extremely well I think and Jason's singing was a little wimpish, but he has such an endearing look about him, even with the dreads. David Archuleta is back to 1st place with me after his song tonight, but I think he is too young for such a role as AI.

Still can't tolerate Amanda, and the others are just so-so.

Sue

I was really disappointed tonight but really hope we say goodbye to Amanda tomorrow.

I didn't see this post or any American Idol post so I started one myself...so please ignore it. I think Amanda needs to go. Can't stand her singing (screaming) the same exact way every song. I did like David Archuleta and Shyesa (that's the girl who sang Yesterday!). All the others were horrible.

I thought David A. was awesome! I think he will win it all, although Jason was good last night too. I hope Amanda goes home, she is terrible. Ramielle should go home soon too. I can't believe someone thinks she could win!!! It looks like the guys are better this year. David A, David Cook and Jason are all great. I also like Brooke and Carley. I did not think Syesha was that good last night. I tend to agree with Simon most of the time. I'd like to see Christy stay a few more weeks just to see what she can do, I don't think we have seen the best of her yet. Michael John??? what happened to him?

I can't agree. Amanda's music isn't my cup of tea by a long shot--but she's good at what she does. She hasn't caved to the show's pressure and tried to do something else--good for her. She has a unique look (again, not what would normally appeal to me) but I really respect that she's decided on who she is, and is staying true to herself. Personally? I hope she pulls it off and sticks around for the next 5-6 weeks or so. The show NEEDS someone who isn't a cookie cutter product like the rest.

David A did much better last night--but after the news last week, I seriously doubt that he'll win. AI does NOT want to have to deal with a father like that for the next year, if he ends up in the top place. Plus he's still young and not quite polished enough yet. He'll probably end up in 2nd or 3rd, I imagine.

Otherwise, they were mostly pretty forgettable--except for the glaryingly 'yellow' presentation.

azzalea---What's the news about David and his father?

David A was my favorite tonight, the rest were ok.
I still like Amanda, sorry, hope she don't go.

You didn't hear last week? Of course, the underage kids have to have a parent/guardian with them. Last week, at a taping session on Monday, David A's father started butting in, and yelling at him to the point he had David in tears. When I heard that, I figured it probably played into his terrible performance last week.

There's apparently going to be a story about David's 'stage father' on TMZ tonight, as well--don't know if it's the same thing, or there's been more of a problem.

AI has known from the start about the danger of stage parents, and has worked hard to head off that problem. Remember that Idol Junior summer show? When I saw the format of first episode, I told my dd that they weren't just auditioning kids, but parents. And I was right--some really fantastic, talented kids were sent home--the ones who had the over-the-top stage moms.

If David's father makes a habit of butting in, he will seal his son's fate. Just one opinion, though.

I think my early fave (Michael Johns) is in trouble. His voice reminds me of a Pearl Jam sound, which is an acquired taste.

To me, Amanda sounds like what Fran Drescher might sound like singing. Amanda can rock, but it is a bit nasal and incoherent at times.

Love David A and David C. David A. IS polished (IMO) - beautiful sound, range, control. But I think his youth will be a deterent in the end.

Ramiele - a beautiful voice but I believe she lacks the staying power.

Early predictions for top 3 (in no order)

David A.
David C.
Carley

Thanks, azzalea, I'll pay more attention to the backstories of the contestants, now. We watch the show, but didn't realize that so many of them are not straight of the streets, I guess you'd say.

Oh - and I think we will be saying good bye to Kristy tonight, but I hope it's Amanda.

Maura--I didn't mean polished in a vocal sense--David A's got an amazing voice, and can do incredible things with it when he's 'in the mood'.

But he's not polished--maybe I mean mature--enough to deal with the situation of being a professional yet. Big difference between him and Jordin last year. She was also young, but seemed so much more independent and ready to handle the life she was pursuing. I got the feeling her parents were willing to let her grow and expand herself by trying different things. David A? My instincts tell me that while David is talented, his father is pushing him to live out HIS (father's) dream. After all, David, at age 11, didn't get himself to the AI hotel. And it probably wasn't his own idea to sing for them in the lobby back then as they were coming or going (and he wasn't very good then, either). His family has been working on this for 7 years.

Azzalea, I didn't hear about his father either. Googled him and found several accounts of a story about him harassing David's contender on Star Search. Both kids were 12 years old. I admired this girl in her role in Diary Of A Mad Black Woman.

Just like Dancing With The Stars, I can't quite get up the enthusiasm I usually have for Idol. I do like David A., David C. & Carly. I'm anxious for either Christy or Amanda to go tonight. I also like Brooke & think they were a little harsh on her last night. JMHO

"Black Bird"...her has a broken wing. But, at least it is tattooed. She look beautiful, why the Tattoos and she had 7 Tattooed on both ring fingers. What?

"Good Day Sunshine", I was ROFLMAO! It was comical! Please Honey, don't try to dance again. "Yahoo" (And brush your hair).

I enjoy watching Jason, because he has a total "love for music".

David Cook, is feeling it, more than anyone. He doesn't care if he wins, he is having a ball.

David A., is Simon's favorite and I have a feeling he would Sign him if he wins or not.

I have to say 9 times out of 10, I agree with Simon, but I would never "word" it the way he does.

I was very disappointed last night.

Gayle

I'm still not liking Amanda....just something about her I can't decide if she is for real or a wanna be rocker chick! I don't like her music...no one can do Joplin. She's no where near as good as SHE thinks she is ...JMO LOL! I do like the Carly the best of the girls. The guys I'm not sure about yet. David A would be my first choice so far, but it could change. To me there seems to be more talent in the guys this season. I have a hard time paying attention this year when it's on. No one has really "grabbed" my attention yet, enough like in the past seasons.

David A has been my 1st choice since day one. I have also grown to like Carley. Although the Tatoos are not my cup of tea, but to each their own.

David has so much talent at such a young age, he will do great no matter what happens on the show.

Judy

Okay, tell me if you agree, or help me to define it better. As good as she is, and I mean she is really good, I keep trying to figure out why Carly is so few people's favorite. She is very obviously the better singer of all the contestants. The girl is effortlessly soaring octaves in a natural voice (no falsetto). The only people I can think are able to do that with ease are Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, and Patti LaBelle. Everyone else has to stretch their vocal chords to the max (close to yelling) to reach those octaves, or they do it falsetto, including opera singers. Pop examples are Minnie Riperton, Mariah Carey, and Deniese Williams. So, why isn't she the unanimous shoe-in? I can't figure why she does not impact the listener like those artists I mentioned. Is her voice mono-tone to you?

I really like Carly. She is probably my fav girl. I really like Brooke but don't see her winning. I just really think the guys are better this year than the girls.

I keep trying to figure out why Carly is so few people's favorite.

Why do you think that? Most everyone here said they liked Carly. I didn't mention it in my post above, but she is my favorite of all the girls. I like the guys better though with the 2 Davids and Michael (he's falling fast though!) at the top of my list. Carly's never been in the bottom 3, so I think America likes her too. I think she'll make it to the top 5 at least.

Well, I can't say the best singer has always won. Can never forget Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. You're right, people say they like her, she did well, and such as that. But no one has said she is their favorite to win. It's hard to imagine luke warm responses if Celine were a contestant. I like the guys better too, but I can't say it is because they are better singers than Carly. They are more appealing is more like the reason. I'm trying to say she doesn't impact me much. She doesn't excite me when I hear her. Brooke, for example, is very middle of the road - no antics, no soaring, nothing to write home about - but I get the warm fuzzies when she sings. I smile when she's on stage and in her element. She has an affect. David Cook makes me have a ball right along with him. He takes me on his ride. David A. makes me want to hug him and mess up his hair LOL. I could say similar of all the other contestants, whereas Carly has no affect at all. It is undeniable that she's good, but she doesn't impact the listener like the others do.

Okay I see what you are saying. She's sort of standoffish and less friendly than the other contestants. I think it would help if she were to soften up a bit. Personality does play a big part and I do think it might hurt her as the weeks go on.

I'd much rather be locked in a room with Michael Johns than Carley. Yep.

I am pulling for David Cook all the way!!! I also like Michael Johns but I'm afraid he doesn't have the fan based needed for the votes to keep him going. I just can't tolerate Amanda. I think she appears to try way too hard to personify her "biker-chick" personality. My DH and I have a Harley and I can tell you that a real Harley person doesn't have to "act" to get their biker status known. Many of our biker friends are professionals and are very comfortable with just who they are. Amanda just seems to want to be the "bad girl" of this season.

hahahaha!!!
That guy is sooo fwine! And made me swoon.....at first.

I like David A. He's still young and his voice will probably improve with classes and time. He's really good. I don't like any of the other guys though Chackezie had a good one last week. The other guys all need haircuts esp. those nasty dreadlocks. The girls are ok. Noone really wows me except for Carly (ok) and I like Amanda but agree she sounds the same. The other girls are just duds. But then, I can't sing either.

haha, I love the dreadlocks. I think he's a cutie!

Just found out from this article (scroll down) that the recaps at the end of each show are footage from earlier rehearsals, not the actual performances. The article talks of Michael Johns sounding better in the recap last night and David A. sounding better in the recap last week.

Do you pay attention to the recaps?

Exactly what I think too ann in Fl.....she is just too showy to me. Trying to be the bad-ass type, not appealing at all to me. That's why I can't figure her out and think she's just a wanna be biker/rocker chick. She pours it on a little too thick and it comes off as phoney to me. Plus she sounds the same every week...just a different song but still the same.