Idol Recap: Bring On The Top 10!
Season four contestant Constantine Maroulis recaps the March 25 episode for Us
I'm the new cohost of the Fox Reality Channel's American Idol Extra (Thursdays, 7 and 10 p.m./EST) and since I am getting paid to watch the show, I figure I would share some stuff for you readers. These are only my opinions. I implore you to share your thoughts as well. What have I been up to in this last year? The nutshell version:
"Wedding Singer" on Broadway, "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" Off-Broadway. Started a record label "Sixth Place Records" and released "Constantine" (in stores & online now). Toured extensively. Hosted Yahoo! American Idol Buzz Session for Season 6 and starred in The Bold & The Beautiful on CBS. (It's not that bad...trust me I still get lots of XBOX 360 in!)
OKAY so this week was "SONGS FROM THE YEAR YOU WERE BORN"
That is the week I did "Bohemian Rhapsody"...it worked out. Let's see how everybody did, shall we? Here goes:
Ramiele Malubay - "Alone"
I simply gotta agree with what Simon said. This song was just way too big for her. Carrie Underwood retired this song in Season 4. Nobody should ever touch it again. Carly included. Ramiele is skating on very thin ice and frankly I thought she would be gone by now. She is pretty and very sweet. I believe she has lots of fans. Still waiting for her to bust loose. Tick tock. I think we’ve seen the last of her – until the tour, at least.
Jason Castro - "Fragile"
I like this kid. I like him a lot. What's not to like? (Although he does remind me of the homeless musician kids on Phish Tour back in the day.) Jason is an earnest performer. With some confidence he will only improve. I think there is a lot more voice in those dreads. C'mon dude! Lots of fans will keep Jaystro alive for a few more weeks. Over all, this song worked for me. I just wanted more.
Syesha Mercado - "If I Were Your Woman"
Wow...where do I begin? This girl leapt off the screen for me during her audition. I was like SING!! She is striking when you first see her, then you kinda forget her. *ducks* I wish Nadia Turner (from my season) had Syesha's pipes, 'cause she has everything else Syesha lacks. At least most of it. Syesha has skills, but struggles at a certain break in her range. That hurt her tonight. Plus it was really predictable and bad. Sorry. SM is mad talented but doesn't know her limit. I do see a Lion King Tour in her near future though...after the Idols tour of course.
Chikezie - "If Only For One Night"
He has certainly come along way since donning that terrible suit in the semifinals and talking back to Simon. He has shown mad heart and "Ezie" is a spiritual dude and knows how to tell a story with a lyric. Loved him with The Beatles but let's face it...never a contender. Will find some success in Gospel Charts post-Idol. This week was not good.Not at all. Where did they find these songs? If Ramiele squeaks by this week, Chikezie might be toast.
Brooke White - "Every Breath You Take"
So what if she had a false start? Rock n' roll ain't perfect — that's what makes it great. First, she looked amazing!! Hair: perfect. Dress: perfect. I totally agreed with the guys tonight, though. Stay with the piano and it's a single again. There were some rough spots but, she is ripe to cut a cool version of this Police classic. Brooke is what is hot right now: Female singer/songwriters. She just needs more stage time and some confidence. Just never dance again, OK?
Michael Johns - "We Are the Champions"
MJ is a great front-man and I can see him having a long career. He’s a really smart player in this game. He came in with a game plan and it's working. He gets it. Some of us got it too late. I think he has learned a lot watching the show these last few years. The Queen was impressive, although I think it could have been better and he knows that. When I heard he was doing "Day in the Life" a couple weeks ago I was stoked then it didn't really work. Get this man a producer and some studio time.
Carly Smithson - "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
Clearly an awesome singer. Kelly Clarkson/Carrie Underwood awesome — but she needs to lose the Cher/Celine part. Not cute. Love her look and presence. This week was so predictable and I just think she doesn't care. She loves those songs. It would be nice for her to never sing Heart or Bonnie Tyler again in her life, though she doesn't need to. She is as good a singer as Nancy Wilson. Songwriters are already thinkin' about hits for her.
David Archuleta - "You're the Voice"
This was very mediocre but the kid is so hard not to like. Did his Dad pick that weird song or what? Simon was dead on as usual with the theme park comment. David is very gifted, and I don't think we have even seen his true best. I see him doing songs like the current Jonas Brothers song, "Look me in the Eyes.”
Kristy Lee Cook - "God Bless the USA"
Genius choice. Sang it pretty darn good, too. She hit us right in the Bible Belt. I believe KLC can make a good Country record. Can you say Kellie Pickler? Gotta love a pretty tomboy that can (sorta) sing.
David Cook - "Billie Jean"
Two words: Rock star! He is the real deal. After Daughtry cleaning up the way he has, David is set to go. Anyone that slays the camera like that is cool with me! This guy is the best there is in this group. Might be the best guy ever. Write me a song, dude!
BY CONSTANTINE MAROULIS
Wow!
Do you pay people to comment about you? LOL!!!
I wish I felt the love for this year's Idols, but no. Maybe the show is just running out of steam.
I like the idea of the rockers on the show for the entertainment value but let's face it: no credible rocker would ever go on AI. You should understand that. And no, Daughtry isn't a credible rock star. He was on AI for gawd's sake!! This show produces derivative singers in definable marketing niches and uses their money to buy them gold records and awards. Period. There hasn't been greatness or ingenuity in rock music since the 1980s. American Idol is not the vehicle that nurtures originality or any lasting contribution to our cultural fabric. It's all about the benjamins. It's fluff and it's TV. It's not music.
Thanks for that review.
I think you are absolutely right with most of your assessments.
This season I am loving this guy Michael Johns. I agree, he looks the part, is a great front man and has strong husky vocal chops. Love his voice. David Cook is great too, but for me I prefer Michael's style. I guess it's just a matter of taste.
I hope Michael Johns gets a producer and studio soon. Can't wait for his debut album and for his career to start. I know it will be a long one.
I think it's always interesting to see the perspective of folks who have been on the show before, no matter who they are. I agree with Constantine's assessment of most of these people. He has not had a gangbusters career, but he seems to be a pretty knowledgeable commentator.
Just an aside: One thing more pathetic than dedicating your life to worshiping a faded AI contestant is dedicating your life to hating a faded AI contestant. This is really getting silly.
AUSSIE! AUSSIE! AUSSIE! OI! OI! OI! GO MICHAEL JOHNS ALL THE WAY! SHOW THE YANKS THE TALENT WE HAVE FROM DOWNUNDER. THIS IS ONLY A SMALL EXAMPLE OF A TALENTED AUSTRALIAN. EXPECT TO SEE MORE OF US ON YOUR TV SCREENS, MOVIES AND AS SINGERS FRONTING AMERICAN BANDS.
David Cook is an amazing performer! Good job on the blog, however I'm glad they used the edited version. Constantine should speak like an adult not a teenage boy.
Love you Constantine! You're ON!
well i see the haters are out of their box...it seems like to me they must be jealous....if i didnt like someone i sure wouldnt waste my time writing about them and following their every move....and making things up...but i guess when you are that deep in hate you cant see you are making an AZZZ out of yourself...
Constantine love your comments...i do believe DC will win...that is great the first ROCKER as an American Idol...that is cool...
thank you constantine for taking the time and sharing your thoughts with us...
love to you always...
LoneStar
This is all disgusting. The whole lot of you need to get a life. Haters and fans alike. AI sure knows how to bring the crazies in. You are all as bad as those claymate nutjobs. Obsess much?
Loved your views on the idols. I hope we get to read your opinions about the Dolly Parton songs next week.
(((((Constantine)))))))
Great job!!
I'm thinking this year-David Cook to win!
See you tonight, on "American Idol Extra"-on the Fox Reality channel!!!
YOU ROCK!
Much love to you, Constantine! XO
I agree that you should sing on idol, I love your cd!
OMG!! I miss you soooooooo much, Constantine!!!
Great recap!
You need to come on Idol and sing a song from your amazing CD!!! You beautiful-hot-Sexy- man!!! Please find a way to get on idol to sing...I would go with "Girl Like you"!
ps.. This year I think David Cook should win. ;)
pss-> Constantine, I love your cd- (and YOU)!!
so Funny! YOU have the most comments from all the other idol blogs put together! when Connie speaks people listn (comment too! lol) I love you lots and love seeing you o idol extra! ima JAYSTRO fan and hope he wins.
Constantine I missed your season of Idol but have seen a lot of you on youtube. Dude! You rocked!! Thanks for y our thoughts on this season. A rocker will never win but it sure ups the entertainment value!
haveta disagee the best dude on idol waz u! thansk tho luv U!!
Constantine!!!!!!!! OMG!!!
ur wrong!! u r best dude o n idol!!!! so cute!!!
Uh, Barb? It's, uh, Michael Johns (not John Michaels). I guess you didn't went to the Boston Conservatory for your edumacation like Constantine did.
I want some of what you're smoking. Constantine was a total clown in comparison to David Cook who is actually a very talented guy. Constantine is one of those gimmicky singers who uses all kinds of tricks to attempt to cover up the fact that he doesn't have much of a voice at all IMO.
Great Blog Constantine. Right On I was Also Hoping To See kristy Go Perhaps next week.Love John Michaels & David Cook, Carly & Brooke.Greeks Rule LOL Was So sad When They Voted You Off The Voters Got It Wrong!!!
Oh Constantine! Still have it, eh?
Wherever you go the crazies who claim to hate you show up and give the site more hits than it has had in a year!! LOL The most charismatic people are usually the most polarizing. Run with it dude! They add to your rockstar cred! Can only imagine how hard you laugh at their crazy claims. It's kind of like toilet paper stuck to your shoe...mildly irritating but once you shake it, it's out of sight, out of mind.
Can't say I agree with all your insights but I enjoyed reading them. I, too, don't get the Carly love. She asks people to have a big pity party for her because she screwed up the major record deal she had before and she believes she deserves it. That ain't how it works.
I think Pickler has some personality, but not much of a voice. But, I wish her well and don't mind you stating she's not the best. She is not, so it's true. I'm sure she understands that herself and is just going with what life has offered her so far. Gotta admit, she's come a long way from her roots on pure determination. That, you at least, gotta respect.
Great blog, Constantine. Very candid. I love that. I especially loved the line about hitting us right in the Bible Belt. You nailed that one.
I love David C. too and glad he's taken a cue from your camera play. As you know, that's a way to connect with the voters.
Plus he's amazing. He takes risks and he obliterates niches. This may be the first AI tour I go to since the year I saw you guys in Season Four.
With Jason, Brooke and David C - it's going to be unlike anything we've seen before.
[quote]7:30 PM Anonymous Says:
what is this pink board that is mentioned and what does it have to do with an AI blog?[/quote]
Since you asked Anonymous - The pink board is a board of very funny ladies -the heathers- who used to be fans of Constantine when he was on American Idol but his very famous toolish behaviour and batsh**t crazy fans turned them off so they started their own board to be able comment freely on things they want to without censourship and the positivity police banning them from other forums like Greekspeak and TWOP. They comment on all kinds of media, pop culture, current events and of course mock and torture Constantine fans. They actually give Clay fans and any other fan who has lost perspective a hard time too. They are equal opportunity mockers. Funny as hell.
Can't post the link but if you google Heathers or its good to be us you might be lucky and find it
Great blog Constantine! It's spot on and very refreshing to hear someone who's been there give his take. You brought up points that I hadn't thought about. I hope you get to write and give your opinion again as the time draws to a close for this year's American Idol. I'll be keeping an eye on this site for more of your blogs
Great blog Constantine! I love David Cook as well.
what is this pink board that is mentioned and what does it have to do with an AI blog?
Love the recap. Pretty much agree for the most part. I am really enjoying David Cook this year. He is very confident and capable up there. Just might be the reason I break my oath and attend an AI concert again after 3 years.
Not looking forward to watching the send-off tonight. Gets harder each week.
Keep up the great work on AI Extra. You and Gina RAWK!
Great Blog, I agree almost completely. Love your insight, keep doing these K? I do miss the Buzz Sessions you did last season though.
Boy a lot of opinions on this page.
Not for this season's Idol, but the dude who wrote the article.
Well anyway..........I really like that David Cook. Keeps me wanting to watch the show to see what he does next. If he wins or not, I will be buying his albums.
Great blog, Constantine! Hope to see more blogs like this from you! Rock on, dude!
I saw you in rent a couple of years ago, not the one on Broadway but the one that toured small towns. You were amazing. I have never seen anyone portray Roger as an epileptic as you did. I totally got what you brought to the table. Brilliant! You should know that I have never washed the shirt I wore that magical night because even though I was sitting in the second row I was lulcky enough to get sprayed by the saliva you so generously showered the audience with!!! CALL ME Greekboy!
((((Constantine))))Your BLOG was amazing. No one has ever written a BLOG as insightful as you EVAH! Bravo! You nailed it, hit it out of the park, slayed it, you ROCK!!! You only came in sixth place during your idol season but I am glad that did not stop you from giving your opinion about this season's contestants. You know what they say, those can't teach or write a blog about it!! (((Constantine))With your education, talent and experience why are you still playing bingo halls and shopping centers? Why have you not sold more than 25,000 CD's? Why? *shakes fist at sky* I bought at least 5 copies myself. What can I see in you that the rest of the world does not? (((Love)))
Post new comment