Reader comments
Singers must stay true yet stand out

iowaporter | 5:29 a.m. March 21, 2008

You have tapped the essence of the real struggle here. I guess as a contestant yourself, you have an insight that the bloggers just don't get. If a person can't show at least a little range and do it well, then they simply aren't good enough. The judges have high expectations. Wow, what a surprise. So do fans.
I find that the rockers have a much easier time transitioning to a ballad than the other way around. Amanda could have done it. I think she truly hates slow songs and just didn't want to play anyone else's game. I have always liked Amanda, but she always looked uncomfortable with the other contestants. She just wasn't a good fit for American Idol, and everyone is better off with her gone.
I disagree with your statement, "the up-tempos haven't worked to Archuleta's advantage." He has tried 2 up-tempo songs. Shop Around and We Can Work it Out. One rocked and the other bombed.

Gavin | 8:34 a.m. March 21, 2008

Iowaporter-I kind of agree with Carmen on this one. The two times he tried an up-tempo, he got negative remarks from the judges. He seems a little out of his element when he does those. I think he really truely is a shy person and it becomes a little weird when he tries to dance around the stage and pretend he's not. His bread-and-butter is the slow, sappy stuff and he's incredible at it, but I think people might start to wonder if that's all he's got.

Anywho, just my opinion. Great article Carmen. Gives me a good conversation starter around the water cooler today.

Dutchman | 8:36 a.m. March 21, 2008

In addition to David A. I also like Jason Castro but does anyone else think he looks like Jar Jar Binks? David A. can do uptempo and I actually liked his rendition of We Can Work It Out, he just flupped a lyric and that threw him off. I would love to hear him do a Santana number in Spanish which I understand he speaks pretty well.

Carmen, you really defined very well what the challenge is to remain on AI. Balancing the risk vs who you are and what you do well without becoming too predictable is very tough. Go David!

Comments continue below

Caligal | 9:03 a.m. March 21, 2008

I was really surprised to see Amanda leave. Especially since the other country girl has been in the bottom three like every week. I thought she would at least make the top ten. Funny show. I don't think the best person always wins.

IdolAddict | 10:11 a.m. March 21, 2008

Like Iowareporter, I disagree with Carmen's assertion that "so far, the up-tempos haven't worked to Archuleta's advantage." His very first performance as a top 24 contestant was "Shop Around" which received rave reviews from the 3 judges...

Randy: "You know look man, I'm a big fan, I thought that was really brilliant. And you know what I love, dude, you're just born with this gift because I'm saying you sang that song so mature for someone 17, I'm like, yo this kid is ready to go! So, dude, I loved it. I loved it."

Paula: "I feel it was a very brave and bold choice of song for you. We've never seen that side of you. And what's interesting is I forget all about how old you are. I just look at this unbelievably confident older soul that just knows what's good for you. You really did a great job, David. You really did a great job."

Simon: "When you've got it, you've got it. And, David, that was by a comfortable mile best performance of the night so far."

IdolAddict | 10:30 a.m. March 21, 2008

Like Iowaporter, I disagree with Carmen's assertion that "so far, the up-tempos haven't worked to Archuleta's advantage." His very first performance as a top 24 contestant was "Shop Around" which received rave reviews from the 3 judges...

Randy: "You know look man, I'm a big fan, I thought that was really brilliant. And you know what I love, dude, you're just born with this gift because I'm saying you sang that song so mature for someone 17, I'm like, yo this kid is ready to go! So, dude, I loved it. I loved it."

Paula: "I feel it was a very brave and bold choice of song for you. We've never seen that side of you. And what's interesting is I forget all about how old you are. I just look at this unbelievably confident older soul that just knows what's good for you. You really did a great job, David. You really did a great job."

Simon: "When you've got it, you've got it. And, David, that was by a comfortable mile best performance of the night so far."

Ashley | 10:50 a.m. March 21, 2008

Carmen, I don't know if you read these comments but I just bought your Album on itunes and love every song. You're awesome! Great column too.

Samara | 12:59 p.m. March 21, 2008

"So far, the up-tempos haven't worked to Archuleta's advantage."

Actually, since his audition, David's done three up-tempo songs. Waiting on the World to Change for his audition, which the judges loved, Crazy by Gnarles Barkley in Hollywood, which Simon thought was amazing, and then Shop Around for the top 24 week--which was the best of the night. His ballad Another Day in Paradise was decided at the last minute because he couldn't get the up-tempo rock song he wanted to do, cleared.

He's a really versatile performer, it's just that ballads showcase his voice. I'm really getting irked by people who are saying he can ONLY do slow songs--he messed up on ONE up-tempo song.

Lisa | 2:43 p.m. March 21, 2008

I disagree that UPTEMPO songs have not worked for David so far, does everyone have selective memory because he sang "Shop Around" & to date it's maybe my second favourite performance of his, he was amazing in that song & had great stage presence too!!

Jeff | 9:43 p.m. March 21, 2008

Who says David A. has to has to have stellar up-tempo songs. (I do agree that he does them very well.) But how many extreme up-tempo songs does Josh Groban have? Josh's biggest hits have been the slower ballads. Anyway, David and Brooke are awesome!

Jim | 11:33 p.m. March 21, 2008

I don't think Carmen is knocking David on this. I think she's just saying he needs to make sure he shows his versitality so he doesn't start to become redundant. Apparently to some, he is a little.

MoJules | 12:13 a.m. March 22, 2008

Sometimes a person looks good in red and outstanding in blue, I think that would describe David A and Brooke also, they have songs and techniques that would be their red songs or performance. But then there is the blue songs and performance and they are out of this world. I have liked both of them each week, but I love David when he sings more the slower songs, it just reveals his soul and that is what we love. I also like Brooke when she is playing an instrument, I use to sing and play the piano, just for me and any poor souls having to hear me in the house, but that was my therapy and I think that is how it is for Brooke, singing and playing together calms her soul. They are both awesome kids and how ever things turn out on Idol, both of them have a great future ahead of them. I also think that the ten that are going will have a better chemistry, I just don't think Amanda is really into the bonding with the group thing.

Bookaholic | 1:53 a.m. March 23, 2008

I think David will do well regardless of what they ask of the contestants. Music is in his soul. Paula is correct, he has a great ability to choose songs that are right for him, that he can really shine on.

The "We Can Work It Out" (studio version) out on YouTube is great. His coach said that week was difficult because Idol had them on the run continually doing photo shoots, commercials, etc. with little time to practice. David had strep throat and a cold at the time which didn't help. Plus, he was worried because the screaming and loud music prevented him from hearing himself--which made it hard to stay on pitch. So, he came up a little short that week. Now, he's healthy, and the show got the contestants monitors so he can now hear himself.

I expect nothing but spectacular performances from David from here on out. He in an incredibly gifted young cutie and just sings his heart out. I am convinced he'll win this year and go on to be hugely successful.

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Or, a more talented one. Or, a cuter, more endearing one. You get the drift. :o)

Steve - Re: Lisa & others... | 1:03 p.m. March 25, 2008

Sorry, but no... I'm going to have to agree with Carmen on this one (shocking that I admit it huh? haha). Up-tempo songs have NOT worked that well for David up to this point. "Shop Around" was OK but it wasn't that great, his best effort at up-tempo so far but it still wasn't as good as it could be.

David simply can't keep singing ballads and slower songs every week, it will eventually hurt him I'm sure. He needs to try hard to find at least a couple up-tempo songs that actually suit him and he can truly pull off well (without looking shy or awkward while doing it).

Dancing around during such a song isn't required, nor does he need to act like a wild maniac (nobody is going to buy it if he tries to act like a "rocker") or anything... he just needs to convey through body language that he's comfortable and having fun, throw in some simple strategic energetic poses/stances and looking like your feeling the energy of the song and there you go.

Even Celine Dion whose strength is ballads doesn't do just slow songs, you don't want to bore anyone.

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