From Deseret News archives:
End is a beginning for 'Idol' finalists; Archuleta is the one to beat
Some might assume that life would get a little less crazy that things would maybe slow down a bit. Actually, the opposite is true.
Immediately after the results show concludes, the judges come backstage to shake our hands and give us some final advice. I remember Paula Abdul taking me by the shoulders after I was voted off and saying, "Carmen, the magic is just beginning." I had no idea how much my life would change after the show.
After a goodbye dinner with the remaining contestants and crew, I went back to the mansion to pack up my stuff. I flew to L.A. with five outfits I left with three jumbo suitcases and boxes and boxes of memorabilia.
The contestants aren't given much or rather any downtime after being voted off the show. At 6 a.m. Thursday morning there's a limo waiting outside to take the booted contestant to the airport.
Now there's even more demand for "American Idol" contestants. With all the interviews I did so soon after leaving the show, the reality of it all didn't really hit me until several weeks later. So doing interviews about what it was like to be a contestant on the No. 1 show was almost like talking about a crazy dream.
Making the top four on "American Idol" means that Jason Castro will get his pick of entertainment opportunities. Besides gearing up for the finale and American Idols Live! tour this summer, Castro will be super busy answering fan mail and screening requests for record deals. The show has blown up to a point where the top four top 10, even are basically guaranteed a career in the entertainment business if they choose to pursue it. The trick is to know when to bite.
Now we're down to the final three: David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado. Each have individual strengths and weakness. So who will win?
Here's my take:
Recent comments
This is a very nice and informative article. I too have enjoyed...
LdsNana-AskMormon | May 9, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Again, David Cook is the most deserving one... he should win but I'd...
Steve | May 9, 2008 at 2:56 p.m.
Great article Carmen. I love the way you write. Your articles are...
Liz | May 9, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.
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