Idol Chatter: Is Archuleta the Best Bet?
Express' Greg Barber weighs in on predictions for this season of "American Idol."
WHO'LL BE PRESIDENT this time next year? Or NCAA champ? If you can correctly guess those winners, maybe predicting who'll be the next American Idol is in your deck of cards.
The oddsmakers at Entertainment Weekly tried their hands at the predictions game by doling out Vegas-style prognostications in their latest issue. At the top of the heap — no surprise — is David Archuleta, whom EW gave a 2-1 chance at success, even though he forgot the words to a Beatles classic last week.
At number two is Jason Castro, who was given 7-2 odds. Carly Smithson, Brooke White and David Cook rounded out the top five.
The mag's ratings aren't foolproof, of course. David Hernandez, who got the boot Thursday, was ranked number six.
I think Cook will have more staying power than EW predicts — talent still means something in this competition, right? — and Smithson surely has a better shot than Castro.
I'd agree that Li'l David is still in the lead. And that's where he'll stay — unless his lyrical amnesia returns this week.
What do you think? Who do you think will be the final five? Or the one to win it all? Let us know below in the comments section.
COMING UP: Tonight, the contestants get another shot at the Lennon-McCartney songbook. Which songs will we hear? Which words will be forgotten? Will Chikezie bring the noise and the funk once again?
I'll have a recap tomorrow morning, then another one on Thursday after Wednesday night's results show. Both will live at readexpress.com/idol.
Photo courtesy Fox
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I have to say that I think Jason does have a better shot at going further than Carly. He's cute, he's goofy, and he seems to have his own style. He's exactly the sort of contestant who draws extremely rabid fans and provides an alternative for the teens to David A.'s technical perfection (up until last week). Carly, while more technically proficient, doesn't seem to be the type that would get teens to vote 'til their fingers drop off. We'll see what happens, but I can definitely see why EW would pick Jason over her.
I think a David A., Jason, Brooke, Carly, David C. (not necessarily in that order) final five is very likely. Although with all the "Archuleta has a mean stage daddy" rumors flying about, I wonder if this isn't too much pressure for him.
By EOC , Posted March 18, 2008 9:57 AMKristy Lee Cook all the way! She's in it to win it!
Kidding, kidding.
I agree with you, EOC, about the players. And I can see your point about Jason's likability ... or at least about the fact that he draws more of a crowd than Carly.
He shouldn't end up in the Top 2 talent-wise. I don't think he's a good enough singer, and I definitely don't think he's a dynamic enough performer.
But I guess it all depends on whether he develops a big enough cult of personality. And that he might already have.
Anybody out there think someone could knock Archuleta from the top spot? And if so, who?
By Greg Barber , Posted March 18, 2008 12:54 PMJason is the one with the "it" factor. Being an idol is more about style than vocal gymnastics. Jason may not have the most powerful voice, but he has a pleasing voice--one that evokes an emotional response. That's something hard to quantify in a talent competition, but he is by far, the one who will most ignite the passion of the listener. As the case with Jason Castro illustrates, there is a difference between musical craftsmanship and a star power and Jason will be a megastar.
By paxnonbellum , Posted March 18, 2008 1:27 PMSo don't get the love of Jason. He picked a really powerful, beautiful song when he sang Hallelujah, but I think it was the song and not the singer that left an impression. I think David A. got a real shot but my pick is David Cook. He's got an amazing musicality. Who else could turn Hello into a rock song?
By Oedi , Posted March 18, 2008 2:03 PMYeah, I've got to agree with Oedi. While I'm with you, paxonbellom, on the idea that Idol ought to be about more than just who can hold a note the longest, I'd disagree that Jason is the one who most connects with listeners.
I can see his appeal, I suppose, but I definitely don't feel it. I thought his rendition of "Hallelujah" was kind of bland. His "Daydream" was great. The rest hasn't really wowed me.
I know there are lots of people who've floated into his camp. And his popularity will likely keep him in the contest for a while. I just haven't seen that "it" factor in him. Archuleta's got it. I think David Cook's got it. But Jason hasn't gotten there yet.
By Greg Barber , Posted March 18, 2008 2:41 PMDavid Cook is my pick. He's just cool. Even if he doesn't make it to the top spot, he has made a name for himself. I can hardly wait to buy his almbum! Anyway, I like David A but I get the impression that he might have the talent, but not the skill, just yet, to make it all the way. The songs he did so well were ones he had performed elsewhere before. Did his parents arrange those? Will he be able to arrange on his own- better than last week? I don't know... But get this, my husband was hoping David Cook would do Elinore Rigby. He was delighted he had picked it! And he said David A would choke. Maybe we should ask him about the top five?
By Rebecca , Posted March 18, 2008 3:12 PMdavid archuleta is HOT!!!! david and brook better be the top two!!!!!
By kira , Posted March 18, 2008 10:56 PMdavid archuleta will win it.he sings it with such passion and love. i konw a buncha ppl love him and i cant wait to hear him next week.
By Britany , Posted March 21, 2008 12:16 AM