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Singers must stay true yet stand out
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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.
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!
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."
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."
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.
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)
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.
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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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.