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What should the Idols sing for Andrew Lloyd Webber night?

Apr 22, 2008, 08:41 AM | by Michael Slezak

Categories: 'American Idol', Idolatry, Stage/Theater

Missy Schwartz and I try to create a six-song set list that won't turn the Idol stage into a hot honeyed mess. Check out our picks for Jason, Carly, Brooke, ballad-crazy Syesha, and the two Davids, then suggest your own!

Katherine Wed, Apr 23, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

Hey, that's me on WildBluff Media!!! I know this is too little, too late but... I liked what Syesha sang last night but I picked "As If We Never Said Goodbye" or "With One Look" from Sunset Blvd for her. I LOVE Jason but, ugh!, Memory?? I wanted him to sing "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph. Brooke should have sung, "I Don't Know How To Love Him". NO ONE SHOULD HAVE SUNG A PHANTOM SONG! THAT IS SACRILEGIOUS and POMPOUS! Archie should have sung "Memory". It would have been better suited for his voice. Loved Carly's "Superstar" but I picked "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" for her. And I wanted David Cook to rock out with "Gethsemane" from JCS. It's slow, soulful and excellent for his upper range. Bottom Three: Brooke, Jason, and David A or Carly.

Sasha Wed, Apr 23, 2008 at 12:20 AM EST

I agree with Rosie. Carly's voice has its limits as evidenced by her off key screaming when she tries to hit high notes.

Rosie Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

David Cook gets better every week. I can't believe he can do understated and soft that well. It was gorgeous. I was thunderstruck. Archuleta bored me to tears as usual. I love Brooke and am sad for her now. Carly's screaming is the WORST. Hope she goes home. Syesha really belongs on broadway. I enjoyed Jason's perfomance because it seemed genuine, but of course his voice isn't the best.

Melanie Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:30 PM EST

Carly and David ARE the real deal, aren't they? The others cannot touch them. Carly & David C to the finals!!!!

Rocky B Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 08:22 PM EST

Sorry - first poster. so, my post was directed to Olive: You Rock! Keep letting us hear your inside scoop! Bye, bye Brooke (even though I love your innocence) and bye, bye Jason except all of the pre-pubescent girls who love Archuleta will keep their thumbs double-jointed. Syesha redeemed herself with me-Carly and David Cook are the absolute REAL DEAL!!!

Wild Bluff Media Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 08:20 PM EST

That's not the first time Brooke had to restart! She said it was the first, but maybe she meant that it was because she forgot the lines for the first time. Paula was wrong to say Brooke should have just kept singing until she knew the words again. That was terrible advice.

Jeff Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 08:17 PM EST

What a train wreck of a night. From Brooke stopping and having to start over, to Jason Castro singing Memory... WTF?!?! But I do have to say that David Cook stole the show for me when he hit the big note in Music of the Night, and Syesha actually entertainted me for a change. Sorry Archie... not good tonight

Rocky B Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 08:17 PM EST

You rock! Stay inside and freely share your info!


queen of disrepair Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 07:07 PM EST

don't care what they sing tonight - Michael, I am concerned about the hoarse, scratchy throat you have. Are you taking teaspoons of honey and lemon? You should be - also, eat past with oil, garlic, cheese and lots of black pepper. It won't help with colds or allergies but it tastes better than the honey and lemon.

Elle Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 06:47 PM EST

Marvinhood, I hate to burst your bubble, but "Defying Gravity" is a Stephen SCHWARTZ song.

Additionally, as for tonight's selections:
David Cook doing "Gethsemane" would be amazing, but I really think that he could do an incredible job with the title song from "Sunset Boulevard" (a song which I fervently despise). And hey, it's even got that glory note he loves!
Carly needs to stay away from "Memory", as a lot of people have already observed, and pick something a little more subtle, like "As If We Never Said Goodbye" or "Another Suitcase in Another Hall".
I think we all know that Archie's going to pick some sentimental ballad. Sigh.
And Brooke and Jason have it relatively easy...there are a number of JCS songs that will work perfectly well with the whole coffee-house-acoustic thing.
I have no suggestions for Syesha. Any non-ballad will do.

olive Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

(rumor) Syesha - "One Rock & Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express
(rumor) David C. - "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera (I would like to see David do "Heaven on their Minds" from JCS or "Gethsemane")
(rumor) Carly - "Superstar" from JCS
(rumor) Brooke - "You Must Love Me" from Evita
(rumor) Jason - "Memory" from Cats (I like ppl's suggestions on "Any Dream Will Do" or "Love Changes Everything")
(rumor) David A. - "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera

marvinhood Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 05:55 PM EST

what about songs from the Phantom of the Opera?
Carly singing 'The phantom of the Opera'
Syesha 'Music of the night'

I just wish instead of Andrew Lloyd Webber night would've been Stephen Sondheim so we could've heard Carly sing Defying gravity!!

Judy Casteel Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 04:03 PM EST

Bwa ha ha! You two are sick funny. I thik Brook SHOULD do a scrunch face!

How about my favorite, Jason Castro, singing "Night of A Thousand Stars" from Evita? He could do more of a sexy Latin version and less of the lounge lizard version like the oily guy in Evita dit it. Could be really good for him. Or, he could do "No Matter What" instead of David A. You KNOW that David A is gonna do someting from JC Superstar anyway - kill me now.

Stephanie T. Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 04:01 PM EST

Nah, the Clustercheese could be Hosea or Superstar from Jesus Christ Superstar. But chances are that there is going to be a medley with solos.

Che Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 03:54 PM EST

David A. – “No Matter What”
David C. – “Superstar”
Carly – "Buenos Aires"
Brooke – “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”
Jason – "Any Dream Will Do"
Syesha – “Memory”


Linda Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

I saw a suggestion for Jason to do "Love Changes Everything" looked it up and thought that was a great idea. I've been hearing rumors he's going to do "memory"--I think that would be a mistake, but I'll vote for him anyway!

Tony Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

David Archuleta...anything from Phantom. David Cook...Superstar Syesha...I Don't Know How To Love Him Carly ...Don't Cry For Me Argtentina Jason & Brook...surprise me.

B. Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

I never even thought of No Matter What for Jason Castro. Great choice!

Jerry Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 02:46 PM EST

ANY DREAM WILL DO from "Joseph" for David Archuletta. UNEXPECTED SONG (rocked out of course) from "Song & Dance" for David Cook. TELL ME ON A SUNDAY from "Song & Dance" for Brooke. If they do too much "Jesus Christ," well, Jesus Christ! And please NO Phantom, NO Cats. Tho' I expect the un-original Seyesha will hear Streisand's "All I Ask Of You," or "Memory" and book it. Yawn. She'd be better on "I Don't Know How To Love Him," tho' just like Baby D, she's in need of an up-tempo.

christy Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

www.celebrityprayerlist.com

CPL does theis hilarious blog about the contestants every week. You guys have to see it!

www.celebrityprayerlist.com

To Joan Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 02:13 PM EST

Your clues have become my favorite thing to get me through work on Tuesdays. The one above takes the cake. Way to work in the word "fissiped." I think I know what your mean, but now I'm sad that he won't be doing "Any Dream Will Do." Gimme more!!! By the way, who are you and how do you know these things!?!?!?!?!?!

JAM Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 02:13 PM EST

I am loving the "No Matter What" from "Whistle Down The Wind" for Jason Castro. Perfect.

Also...what if Carly sang "With One Look" from Sunset Boulevard?

JohnnyBway Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

Brooke - Tell Me On A Sunday
Archuleta - Love Changes Everything
Cook - Close Every Door
Carly - Buenos Aires
Jason - Unexpected Song
Siesha - Perfect Year
Random group number/clusterfuck - I Am The Starlight

fredric Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

random question... when do they start singing two songs a piece?

dj Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST


Syesha – “I don’t know how to love him” – Jesus Christ Superstar OR “Perfect Year” – Sunset Boulevard

Brooke – “You must love me” – Evita movie soundtrack

Carly – “Memory” – Cats OR “Unexpected Song” – Song & Dance (Tell Me on a Sunday)

David A. – “Close Every Door” – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat OR “Vaults of Heaven” – Whistle Down the Wind

Jason – “No Matter What” – Whistle Down the Wind

David C. – “Superstar” – Jesus Christ Superstar

DAB Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 01:50 PM EST

where's JOAN with more clues??????

Annie Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

Thanks, Laura! Carly would be lovely on Tell Me on a Sunday. But I might have to kill myself if Brooke goes anywhere NEAR Pie Jesu. Just stick her with I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You and call it a day. :)

Laura Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

I like your suggestions, Annie. Here are mine:

Jason Castro: I Don't Know How to Love Him (because it's really NOT a romantic love song)
Carly Smithson: Tell Me On a Sunday from "Song and Dance"
Syesha Mercado: Starlight Express
David Archuletta: Close Every Door from Joseph...
Brooke White: Pie Jesu from "Requiem" (because nowhere does it say that cantatas are off-limits, and I think this would be completely awesome with her Carly Simon vibe)
David Cook: At this point, anything. But, if I have to choose, there's a great little song from Starlight Express called "There's Me" which I think could be lovely.

Chickie Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

I think David Cook should do 'Superstar.' Interesting choices for Jason Castro.

mscisluv Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

Hahaha at Annie - "One More Angel in Heaven" is a mock-country western song from Joseph for those who don't know...and Kristy would have been simply hilarious on it.

Annie Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

I can't watch the video at work so I have no clue what was suggested... but here's my ideal list:

David C - really anything from JCS would make me happy. I'd love to hear him do Gethsemane in its entirety sometime.
Carly - I Don't Know How to Love Him. Or Take That Look Off Your Face
Jason - Yes! Any Dream Will Do! (Whoever suggested that rocks.)
David A - There's Me from Starlight Express (trying to think of the most insipid ALW song of all...haha)
Syesha - Love Changes Everything would be beautiful
Brooke - Don't really care, to be honest. Hope she leaves... :)

KLK totally could've done One More Angel in Heaven

orville Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

Oh man, tonight is going to hurt. I am *so* not an Andrew Lloyd Weber fan. I'm a Sondheim girl all the way. Carly singing "Children Will Listen" would have been so perfect.

erica Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

The Whigs version of "The Temple" is cook, but not really for a singing competition. I think David will be doing his own arrangements from here on out.

Stephanie T. Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 12:34 PM EST

The Whigs are my generation. I'd love Cook to pay tribute, but I suspect that he won't do "The Temple".

Scott Tobias Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

I can't believe no one's mentioned this, but wouldn't David Cook do well to cover The Afghan Whig's cover of "The Temple" from JCS? He's made a competition out of covering other band's edgy covers of seemingly lame pop grist; here he'd have a chance to tackle a cover that's *much* better than the original, though I'm guessing the American Idol band would fall well short of the Congregation-era Whigs.

Joe Brown Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 12:08 PM EST

I interviewed Llord Lloyd Webber when he was visiting Vegas last week. No real spoilers, but a few hints. The story is here:
www.lasvegasun.com/news/2008/apr/22/superstar-mentor/

Melanie Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

I love that Carly gets the Christians all fired up. Come on, people!!!! please Carly sing Jesus Christ Superstar!! And then go have your cross tattoo removed because that definitely must mean that you worship satan.

Nix Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST

Did anyone rec "Another Suitcase In Another Hall" for either the piano girl or the tattoo girl? (At this point I've stopped watching, just getting in on the action.) Somebody HAS to do "Superstar". Even if Aunt Whittlz has another God rash. Don't worry, Whitz, it's *irreverent*, it's safe. (or so they think mwahahaha...) You know how David A would kill forever? "All I Ask of You". It's a boy's song anyway (Raoul).

Gloria Maxwell Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:55 AM EST

I can't imagine a Andrew Lloyd Weber night without 'memories and David A singing it. I am a real fan of David C and I picked "Superstar for him. Not so much for Carly and Syesha but " Don't Cry for me Argentina" would help either of them. and for Jason anything would suit him as he does something different with his versions.

Michelle Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM EST

Those two are annoying. How about picking a couple people who aren't quite so arrogant?

rogers Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

What a joke if Carly does anything from JC Superstar or Joseph - she's going to seem hardly believable since her husband's tattoo parlor is called "Nothing Sacred", it's space page features a picture of a burning cross among other anti-christian stuff, and Carly has said she's having her cross tattoo removed from her back. I would have guessed that the Christian flavor of the show this year would be driving her nuts by now..

Ben Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

Why no Madonna themed night? She's releasing a new cd... she'd be a hell of a lot better than Mariah.

Kim Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

I have been DYING for Cook to sing "Heaven on Their Minds" from JCS ever since they announced Webber would be on. I think Carly would do well on "Buenos Aires" or "Unexpected Song". Brooke needs to sing "You Must Love Me"...piano driven and emotionally wrenching.

johnnyD Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST

Carly - Please don't sing "Memory." I can hear her singing already. Stop, our dear, clueless bundle of desperation! Please don't do it!

Apt. 803 Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

Here's an article from Las Vegas Sun

lasvegassun.com/news/2008/apr/22/superstar-mentor/

Jenna Von Oy Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

Who is Erin, and more importantly who cares?

B. Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:07 AM EST

My Guesses:

Brooke- I Don't Know How To Love Him (jesus Christ Superstar)

Carly- You Must Love Me (Evita)

David C.- Heaven on Their Minds (JCS)

Syesha- Memory (Cats)

Jason- High Flying Adored (Evita)

David A.- Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera)

ANTM Freak Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

Slezak's Power Rankings are wishful thinking. Archuleta's going to the finals whether we like or not (I'm firmly entrenched in the latter camp).

Chloe Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

she had "love changes everything" as one for jason in the wildbluffmedia.com article. Also "Night of 1000 stars" which could be great with jason on an instrument

Lynny Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:50 AM EST

If they really want to challenge the kiddos, they should have Steven Sondheim night.

paige Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:50 AM EST

really cant anyone do "a kiss is a terrible thing to waste" or "love changes everything"? no phantom!

Stephanie T. Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

Jason- (hopefully) Any Dream Will Do- Joseph...

Carly (most likely)- Memory- Cats

Syesha- I don't know how to love him- J.C. Superstar

David C.-Everything's Alright- J.C. Superstar or an Alt. version of Mr. Mistofelees (for humors sake). However, his best opportunity would be with something from Whistle Down the Wind simply because of the Jim Steinman factor.

Brooke-Don't Cry for Me Argentina-Evita

David A.-Sorry, but he'll probably do Close Every Door from Joeseph...

CJ Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST

I think David C will do well just because he always does, with whatever comes his way . He will make it his own. I think DA, Carly ,Syesha(if she will do something upbeat) will handle this week , but it could be tough for Jason and Brooke. Regardless I think either Syesha or Brooke will go bye bye. For me I would rather it be Brooke , she can't seem to tolerate the pressure .

erica Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:45 AM EST

I think the EW rankings are spot on - I would love a Cook/Castro final 2! I think they are the only ones winning new fans along the way. I'm hoping for Gethsemane or something else from Jesus Christ Superstar for David C tonight (and need spoilers now!)

Chloe Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

Gesthemene would be fantastic by David Cook. That was one of Erin's picks for him.

Come On Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:42 AM EST

Re: Idoltry and your rankings. Jason Castro ahead of Archuleta? Maybe you should watch fewer crappy Japanese monster movies; your snarkniness is taking over your common sense.

Danelle Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

As long as someone sings "Superstar" from JCS, I'll be a happy woman. I can also hope that David Cook sings "Gethsemane."

cesalica Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

hmm...david cook may not necessarily do well this week even if ALW is mostly rock. it's gonna be a little tougher on the song choice for him.

Chloe Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

Y'all should check out the article with music links that was posted earlier it's at http://www.wildbluffmedia.com/2008/04/21/american-idol-season-7-jesus-joseph-evitas-phantom-cats-of-sunset-boulevard/

ANTM Freak Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

Not sure about Idolatry's picks this week but then again I don't know jack about ALW's work, other than the obvious songs. Pretty much guaranteed that somebody will sing "Memory" (probably Carly, because she's clueless). Would be surprised if we don't hear songs from "Phantom" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". If you want spoilers actually TMZ has been the place where I've seen spoilers the earliest.

kaf Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:59 AM EST

Much as I love Idolatry, i hope that they make better picks than the ones suggested today. I wonder if carly is going to do Music of the Night or All I Ask Of You... I think she *could* be amazing. If only Simon would stop being a hater!! (P.S. Vote For The Worst often has spoilers for you impatient types.)

Joan Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:57 AM EST

First clue: Jason will be searching for lithe-bodied round-headed fissiped mammals many with retractile claws deep in the recesses of his mind.

yeah, but... Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST

kelley crowledy, at this point in the competition the more popular the song, the better the singer does. so those old retreads that everyone knows are the better choices than some obscure gem from 1979.

kelley crowledy Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:45 AM EST

this was not a good week for you two to be offering song choice advice. You clearly have no real working knowledge of the ALW songbook - that has hundreds of beautiful songs to choose from - not just the tired retreads from Evita and JCS.

NineDaves Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

sorry RTA, but i would not put ALW on that high class of songwriting. i think a lot of his songwriting is trite. his shows were all spectacle. and while there are a few ballads that are pretty ("memory," "love changes everything," "any dream will do," "i don't know how to love him"), i don't think he's the best representation of what broadway can do. now if it was stephen sondheim night, then we'd REALLY see some fantastic songwriting...

LLL Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

i agree that the fewer ballads, the better this week. but having said that, i want to see david cook show off his voice and actually *not* mess with the arrangement of whatever he chooses. to that end, i'd love to hear him do "love changes everything" from Aspects of Love.

it would make me so happy if no one did "memory", but rumor has it that's not the case. *sigh*

who wants to take bets on how cranky simon is tonight? he just LOVES the show tunes.

RTA Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:34 AM EST

I, for one, am looking forward to an infinitely higher class of songwriting compared to last week's forgettable fare. Surprised that tunes from "The Phantom" aren't being mentioned.

AH Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

Dude, you guys should not have even tried to pick songs this week. Almost all of your choices were from 2 shows! I actually think David Cook has the easiest choice this week since a lot of ALW is rock.

AH Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

Dude, you guys should not have even tried to pick songs this week. Almost all of your choices were from 2 shows! I actually think David Cook has the easiest choice this week since a lot of ALW is rock.

JillS Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:23 AM EST

I don't know show tunes and I don't like show tunes and I don't care about show tunes. About 97% of the audience would probably agree with me. More obscure, SLOW, dramatic songs. Grrrrreat.

Anti Idolatry Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:17 AM EST

What a waste of 7 minutes of my life that I will never get back. The choices were awful, the commentary all retreads. I want my 7 minutes back. But lesson learned, no more Idolatry

Matt Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

Erin put together a full list of options for all the Final Sixers with youtube clips and all. Pretty thorough.

http://www.wildbluffmedia.com/2008/04/21/american-idol-season-7-jesus-joseph-evitas-phantom-cats-of-sunset-boulevard/

Amanda Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 08:51 AM EST

I wish one of the ladies would tackle "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again." Great song and captures a real emotion.

Bee Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 08:35 AM EST

You convinced me. I need to just skip this week. I have never been less excited about an Idol theme.

mscisluv Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 08:07 AM EST

I think Jason would be great on "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph. And, although it's one of my favorite songs when Donny Osmond sings it, "Close Every Door" (also from Joseph) needs to stay far from the Idol stage - unless David Cook somehow rocks it out (which, actually, would be awesome).

mscisluv Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 08:07 AM EST

I think Jason would be great on "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph. And, although it's one of my favorite songs when Donny Osmond sings it, "Close Every Door" (also from Joseph) needs to stay far from the Idol stage - unless David Cook somehow rocks it would (which, actually, would be awesome).

Auntie Lynnie Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 07:46 AM EST

I laughed out loud at your (not so subliminal) pairing of Carly's photo with "Superstar" blaring in the background. Babbling Brooke could do well with "I don't know how to love him"

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