One of the Top Three is “On the Move”

May 14, 2008

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you guess which thing is not like the other
By the time I finish my song?

I miss watching Sesame Street. As a matter of fact, I may start watching it again once AI is over. Maybe I will even blog about it… ummm, maybe not.

It’s going to be a long and endless episode, so here are some fun things to do in between the filler fodder time and trazillion commercials.

Read the aforementioned (in last night’s Aunt Pearl blog) Orangeade-stained-TVGuide article about the final three.

Take AOL’s AI survey.

Bid on American Idol paraphernalia.

See photos of Rocker Dave’s hometown band Axium.

Read about Archie’s so-called stage dad.

Get updates on past Idol contestants.

Watch Carrie’s music vid for “Last Name” which is hysterical (it’s kinda like the female version of Alan Jackson’s “I Don’t Even Know Your Name.”)

Catch up with My Kid’s (and my) favorite Idol of all time – the fabulous Chris Daughtry.

Because we have to (being addicted and all), we get on with tonight’s show. It’s so weird how Ryan notices Simon’s cleavage and not Paula’s. Surely this is a blow to the ego of one of E!’s Top 25 Cougars.

Tonight we will get to see the hometown visits for each of the final three. I enjoy these mini-documentaries because I feel like we get to know the contestants better as people. Sometimes too little too late, but that’s how the story goes.

But first up, the top three sing “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” and they may be “on the move” but they have never been “in the groove.” They could dub this trio 4 Left Feet + Syesha.

Lots of top 12-ers in the audience this evening; they seem to be all lined up in a row. One week from tonight, they will be onstage again for the finale.

This week’s Ford faux-mercial is to the popular “How Far is Heaven” by Los Lonely Boys (or Salvador if you listen to CCM.) The director’s idea of “heaven” is materialist and narcissistic, but hey that’s Ho’wood for ya.

Ryan says that 56 million votes came in and that it’s a close race. I bet there are some high text-messaging bills out there in tweener land. Hang in there mom and dad; only one more week to go.

Recap of last night … and so it goes for Archie at Disneyland, some people want it all but Syesha wants nothing at all, the first time ever we saw Cook’s face the round went to Simon, our boo David’s heart was all over the world, Sye caressed the bass player and wooed the chair, Rocker Dave dared us to mooooove, LD’s song was longer than there’ve been stars in the sky, Mercado got her penguins on (baby baby), and the Rocker did not wanna miss a thing including winning.

Tonight’s special guest star is season four champ Fantasia. I heard an interview with her on the radio last month and she talked about how a trip to Africa changed her life. I was impressed with how she is using her fame for the good.

Girlfriend sure has changed her look. She has Bozo hair but it’s okay because her nails and lipstick match that shade, too. Ms. Barrino has brought along a couple of backup singer/dancers, and even a dude from the balcony provides some support. Too bad he’s wearing one of Dumb Donald’s hats and can’t sing worth a lick. Not sure what this song is, but Fantasia sure still has that enthusiasm.

Very funny moment when the camera cuts to Simon and he has a WTH??? expression on his face. Right there with ya, Cowell. Tas’ breathlessly chats with Ryan about what’s going on with her besides clown hair.

The first hometown visit is to Murray, Utah with Little David. We are reminded again that he is just a tiny boy, as he is overwhelmed by all of the attention. He cries adorably and says “Gosh” a lot. If they do a remake of The Andy Griffith Show, then Opie is already cast. He seems to live a sheltered life and if he wins, hopefully fame will not change him too much. We’re hoping that one day he’ll be able to complete a full sentence without breathlessly stopping and giggling. But then again no, because that is one of the reasons he’s so infectious, right?

Keeping with tradition, tonight we’ll see the contestant montage videos from each of the top three. Ruben’s song must have been retired, since “Best Days” plays during David’s “AI journey.” He looked even younger four short months ago. Wherever he goes “birds suddenly appear” and “stars fall down from the sky.” The animated Disney kind, drawn with dollar signs. To anyone who doubts that this young lad is marketable, here are two words: Hannah Montana.

Next we see Syesha’s journey back to her hometown of Sarasota, Florida. The gal is overwhelmed by all of the attention and has everything from posters to babies shoved at her. Welcome to fame, Ms. Mercado. This is one lady who has come a long way from the early stage of the competition with all those “cheating songs.” It is nice to see Syesha let her (real) hair down and be herself. She seems more excited about the helicopter ride than anything else, and has major sobbage while riding in the limo. The old lady mayor doing the flip was almost as awesome as Archie’s mayor’s mustache.

For her video “celebration journey” Syesha gets the Fantasia version of “I Believe.” Would this be a snap back at her for daring to do this song herself, perchance? No matter, as she has proven to be more than up to the challenge. We are reminded of the flash cards during Hollywood week and My Kid says, “Oh yeah. I remember now why I didn’t like her.” Syesha has grown on me since then, and obviously on millions of others, too. She is top 3 after all and that is not to be taken lightly.

The last one out to see his hometown footage is Rocker David. He returned to Kansas City, Missouri and just like with the others, there was a sense of wonderment that so many people were there to see him in person. My favorite moment of the entire evening was when Dave gave flowers to his music teacher. He seems like a good guy. It was fun watching him do the weather, too. Ryan brings David’s brother up on stage to explain how they tried out together, with David actually only coming along for the ride. What a great story to tell the grandkids one day.

It is fitting that David C. gets Daughtry’s “What About Now” song playing as the background music for his “my AI journey” video. David’s style has changed a lot since we first saw him; no more sweater vests and shiny pink ties for our rocker. He has stayed true to the rock roots even though he proved to us during Broadway week that he can sing anything. Dave has no need to fret over his fate tonight, as he will have a successful career whether he gets the confetti next week or not.

Because we did not get subjected to viewer calls this week (YAY), we have time to poll the judges for their critique of this last three standing. My little dog informs me that she has to go outside and pee, so I have to make a choice: listen to the judges opine or help out my doggie? Pee wins. Will have to catch the clichés later.

When we come back, we learn that next week will be an all David finale. Syesha is this season’s Kimberley Locke. Girlfriend had a good run and should be proud. There are no tears and shouldn’t be; Sye has been a perpetual bottom-three-er for weeks now so this is no surprise for her. Of course they run out of time before she can finish the Alicia Keys song.

Quote of the evening:
David A. (regarding the large number of fans in Murray): “Gosh! Where do they park?!”

Until next week when it’s the battle of the Davids. In the meantime, check out this non-AI related fun thing - Doodle 4 Google.