Apr 15, 2008, 10:07 AM | by Michael Slezak
Categories: 'American Idol', Idolatry, Mariah Carey
Dawnie Walton and I brainstorm some song suggestions -- including an upbeat pick for David Archuleta! -- and attempt our best imitations of the "Mariah Gospel Hand." ™
Del'Lex'Xus Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST
I think they need to sing touch my body because I like that song I sing it alot!!!
Del'Lex'Xus Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST
I think they need to sing touch my body because I like that song I sing it alot!!!
Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST
she is one million times better than j ho who is waste of time, air and space
neo Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 09:42 AM EST
Who says MC's songs are horrible?? From the show, we can tell that her songs can stand the test of time and be fresh!! Well done David Cook, David Archuleta, Syeshia and Jason!! David Cook's performance was the bomb!!
pinkyyy Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 04:07 AM EST
did u see "archie" today he was da bomb he nailed that song brilliantly and he has ma zillion votes.......................david cook is overrated
CVisca Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 12:49 AM EST
I just have to throw it out there, that as if I didn't already love David Cook as an artist and as probably the most intriguing guy I can think of in a while... he has now with that version of "Always Be My Baby" - erased every disheartening - "I'm pathetic" - ugly duckling - feelings that came with hearing it at middle school dances when it was big (I'm pretty sure he was in 8th grade himself?) I'm sorry - I haven't been this excited for an artist in a while and I can't wait to hear him again.
PDub Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 12:39 AM EST
@B: are you kidding? did you even watch tonight? four words: david cook is brilliant.
REALLY? Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST
Another thing going around is Kristy Lee Cook NEVER sold her horse. This was a story used as a sympathy ploy so people would like her and keep her on the show. She has tons of horses *she lives on a ranch* and out of all the horses she sells hers? She has money by the way. Her parents are NOT broke. Kristy's whole family lives quite well. Lets just say they're rich. Cat got out of the bag that Kristy prepares herself to be in the bottom 3 but she knows she'll be okay. She's quite smug. She knows her brother in-law has a lot of friends and they vote a lot. She's totally syked about this website called Vote for the Worst. They vote for the worst contestants. She knows if a following follows what they say she'll stay on forever. She's so confident that she actually thinks she's going to win american idol. Just ask around. Visit the website. You'll see. www.votefortheworst.com
Kristy Kissing David Archuletah Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:00 PM EST
BIG thing going around is..........kristy lee cook and david archuletah have a THING going on. this has been talked about all over the place. weird because she's older than him but nothing would surprise me. all the david archuletah fans aren't happy about this ESPECIALLY the girls.
Cat Walk Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 06:58 PM EST
I'm hoping DC can pull out a good response tonight. I'm excited to see what he does. All the others will bomb horribly (I hope). Regardless of what people say about Mariah, she's in a league of her own. Those high notes she hits...wow. None of those girls could hit those notes, NOT even Carly. Tonight is gonna be a HOT MESS.
Valerie Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 06:39 PM EST
Love, love, LOVE the trademark logo for the "Mariah Gospel Hand" ! Very funny !! You are making me laugh again, with that and the images of puppies and kittens for "Little David" !
So thank you Slezak, and thanks to all you Idolatry collaborators ! (Just feeling it today !) : )
mike Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST
Mariah Carey songs are unoriginal and bland. I will skip the performance show and just watch the recaps on the result show
Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 05:51 PM EST
If David C did hearbreaker do you think he could do the Jay Z rap part, too? lol.
LMFAO!
Morgan Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 05:20 PM EST
If David C did hearbreaker do you think he could do the Jay Z rap part, too? lol.
super-depressed-mart Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:39 PM EST
To BrookesBFF: Let me change your last line: "Simon takes off his black v-neck t-shirt and tries to strangle THEM". And then he says to Brooke (despite he likes her): To me was Karaoke, cabaret and not CURRENT!
Troy Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:32 PM EST
Carly should sing "I Don't Wanna Cry" ... I think it suits her voice perfectly !!
francis Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST
so many haters here..so many things have been said about Mariah & yet a lot of people still buy her albums, people really love her & nobody can blame those people for loving her because she is one of the best singers/songwriters in the world. the thing about AI is they want to see whos really got the whole package & the Mariah Carey song book is the ultimate challenge for them because nobody, except mariah of course, can sing a Mariah song..making it harder for the idols to find a song that will fit them..i just hope people will stop criticizing Mariah in every chance they get..she deserves some respect too you know..she has contributed a lot to what music is today & she will continue her contributing until her prime passes..its all about R_E_S_P_E_C_T
francis Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:15 PM EST
so many haters here..so many things have been said about Mariah & yet a lot of people still buy her albums, people really love her & nobody can blame those people for loving her because she is one of the best singers/songwriters in the world. the thing about AI is they want to see whos really got the whole package & the Mariah Carey song book is the ultimate challenge for them because nobody, except mariah of course, can sing a Mariah song..making it harder for the idols to find a song that will fit them..i just hope people will stop criticizing Mariah in every chance they get..she deserves some respect too you know..she has contributed a lot to what music is today & she will continue her contributing until her prime passes..its all about R_E_S_P_E_C_T
BrookesBFF Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST
A preview of tonight's show:
Randy: For me, for you, that was a bad song choice. Yo dog, if you’re going to sing Mariah, you better ba-ring it, and it wasn’t ba-rung.
Brooke: But we have to sing Mariah songs this week…
Randy: I liked it better when you did the Carly Simon thing.
Brooke: But I had to sing a Mariah Carey song…
Randy: I worked with Mariah, you know.
Paula: Song choice is so important. You should know that Mariah and Whitney songs are untouchable because you’ll be compared to the original. I loved it when you did the Carly Simon thing.
Brooke: But…(looks to Ryan for help)
Simon takes off his black v-neck t-shirt and tries to strangle himself.
mscisluv Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST
Can we PLEASE not hear either "Hero" or "Against All Odds"?
Rita Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST
syesha has to sing Butterfly!!!!!!!!!!
and David cook has to do either open arms or bringing on the heartbreak!!!!!
Orlando Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST
David C - Against All Odds
David A - Anytime You Need A Friend
Brooke - Forever
Carly - Without You
Syesha - Hero
Kristie - Open Arms
Jason - Bringin' On The Heartbreak or I'll Be There
NineDaves Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST
joan's probably the same one who gave us the dolly parton set list... which was all wrong.
Christina Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST
What I think:
David C. Should & Will: My All
Jason- Should & Will:We Belong Together
Carly- Should: I Don't Want to Cry, Will: Without You
Brooke: Should & Will: Always Be My Baby
David A- Should: Emotions, Will: Hero
Syesha- Should: Dreamlover, Will: When You Believe
Kristy- Should: Fantasy, Will: Thank God I Found You
RTA Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST
I see tonight as an exercise in disillusionment with pop music in general as I repeatedly turn to my wife and say "I've never heard this one, either." It might as well be Polka night.
Suzanne Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST
But the real question:
Who is this "Joan?" AI accountant by day, EW poster by coffee break?
ALEXSANDER Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST
haha I enjoyed the video! pretty funny- tonight should be an interesting night!
GOB Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST
I am hoping someone sings Vanishing, but then again, I'm not sure who could even do it... maybe Carly, if she reigns it in. For people who have suggested I'll Be There or Without You... those aren't really MC songs. They were covers, so let's hope they don't count.
mike Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST
There aren't any really good female vocalist this season which is disappointing, wish Mariah had come on when Tamyra, Trenyce, Latoya London among other of the great female singers idol has had, they could have really shined with Mariah Songs. Tamyra sang a good Vision of Love in a clip on youtube.
mike Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST
There aren't any really good female vocalist this season which is disappointing, wish Mariah had come on when Tamyra, Trenyce, Latoya London among other of the great female singers idol has had, they could have really shined with Mariah Songs. Tamyra sang a good Vision of Love in a clip on youtube.
ANTM Freak Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST
Jimmy: I'd eat some Cheetos but I left them in your mama's trailer last night. Tell the b***h she can keep 'em.
daisyj Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST
Call me crazy, but ever since her bit on the Rhianna song I've been convinced that Carly would do really well as a dance/pop diva. (Whether or not she wants to, I suppose, is another story.) Anyway, I think a modernized, dancified version of "Someday" would be great for her.
Jimmy Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST
ANTM Freak your song choices suck, lets hope they dont sing those songs. Anyway who cares what u think u act like your some sort of expert on the topic, got eat some cheetos and shut the phuk up.Anyone left on this show has more talent in there farts then u do.
nervous Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST
i am really really nervous that the contestants are totally going to botch their song choice tonight. tonight is REALLY all about song choice and no one wants to listen to an hour of boring mariah songs. with the song arsenal that mariah carey has, not one of them should be pardoned for picking a bad song...there are just too many damn good songs in her song book. yet, i still think the idols will disappoint tonight.
Ari Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:13 PM EST
I think somebody has to sing a Glitter song, cause this album is actually really good andmost people don't know that! (NEVER TOO FAR, LEAD THE WAY OR REFLECTIOS)
BrookesBFF Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:09 PM EST
I'm looking forward to hearing Randy and Paula tell each contestant "You shouldn't have picked a Mariah song. That song is too big for you. Song choice is very important."
BrookesBFF Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:07 PM EST
I love the idea of David C. doing bringing on the Heartbreak. Let him totally rock it - and especially on Mariah nite when everyone else is singing those horrible songs. He would be great and would really stand out. I think that would be the first Idol performance of a Def Leppard song as well.
Morgan Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST
i comppletely forgot about her song Breakdown, I love that song... I agree with the other posters who said David C would rock it. I definitely see Syesha going for the most Mariah of the Mariah songs because she just does not get it.. every week the judges try to get that point across but she's too arrogant or something.
JoeC Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST
On my way to get the new Mariah CD before tonight. Yall should check it out gang; hear the songs that are going to inspire the next 'Idols' the way MC has inspired Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, and others! Hope the kids do well tonight!
whoa Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 01:35 PM EST
i really REALLY hope David C sings breakdown.
that would be BRILLIANT.
think he could get any bone thugs in there?
b0bbyr0we Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 01:32 PM EST
AMTM Freak: Spot on, across the board. Awesome
wtf: I hope you're wrong. While some theme nights make me groan, I'm almost considering this a make or break night for David Cook. I disagreed with the strength of his "Billie Jean" backlash, but this will be the true test of his ability to make a song not typically suited for him into a "David Cook Song." I'd say the same thing for Jason Castro, whose 2 signature moments: Hallelujah and Somewhere Over the Rainbow, were well sung, but not the brilliant transcendent displays of artistry that the covers he was covering were. Can they do it by themselves? If they can do it to Mariah Carey songs, they can do it to anything. We'll see.
me Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 01:01 PM EST
idolatry- your predictions are PERFECT and i seriously hope/wish they would sing those songs but i dont think there's a chance in hell they'll do it. they'll all pick safe, boring songs.
Bob Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST
Syesha is going to sing the most Mariah of all Mariah songs...so probably Vision of Love. David Archuleta's dad is going to pick something awful for him to sing (a la You're the Voice). Maybe I Still Believe?
I'm rooting for KLC to bring it home this week! Let's face it; she's the only contestant with any mystery about her. How far can she go? Syesha and Carly are doomed to finish no higher than fifth, and we're going to have a David-David-Jason top three. But how far can Kristy go? If she continues to choose good songs and sing them competently, I'd dare say she'll finish fourth. And she won't even be the worst singer to have made it that far (see McKibin, Nikki, and Trias, Jasmine)!
Bring it on home to me, Kristy Lee!
ANTM Freak Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:52 PM EST
1) David Archuleta
SHOULD SING: "I'll Be There"
WILL SING: "When You Believe"...yet more pandering about the higher power.
2) David Cook
SHOULD SING: "My All"
WILL SING: Couldn't find any cover versions of Mariah songs that he could steal so...no clue.
3) Kristy Lee Cook
SHOULD SING: "Butterfly"
WILL SING: "Hero" At this point she has to bring the schmaltz every week.
4)Syesha Mercado
SHOULD SING: "Make It Happen"
WILL SING: Any obvious Mariah ballad will do. For sake of argument, "Love Takes Time"
5) Jason Castro
SHOULD SING: "I Don't Wanna Cry"
WILL SING: "I Don't Wanna Cry". Works with his limited range.
6) Brooke White
SHOULD SING: I agree with Idolatry, "Always Be My Baby"
WILL SING: "Anytime you need a friend" to keep us on the path towards diabetic coma
7) Carly Smithson
SHOULD SING: "Vision of Love". I don't think she should try the high note but I think Carly can pull this one off.
WILL SING: "Without You", cause she's so clueless.
StaleCake Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:03 PM EST
WHO has everything to gain? The guys -- any twist on Mariah will be, as Randy will say, "Difficult to sing a chick song, plus it's MARIAH dawg!" WHO has everything to lose? The women -- all of whom will suffer by comparison, and all of whom, if EW's poll is right, are already in the sh*tter. NOW is the time for Kristy to try a country twist. MOST IN DANGER: Syesha.
Joan Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:02 PM EST
Nothing yet. Everyone from that camp has tightly sealed lips. There was a Wikipedia entry which said he'd sing "My All" but it was quickly changed to TBA (to be announced). So....
Cranky Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST
Tonight is gonna be one smokin' stack of hot mess flapjacks. Can't wait.
erica Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST
OK, Joan, I figured those out. Any hints for David C? Please?
wtf Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:39 AM EST
would never hold it against rocker DC if he can't mesh with a diva vibe. he'll get a sympathy/good trooper vote from me for having to try - on national television (Oi!)
JoeD Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST
I'm totally stoked! I never thought Mariah would agree to come on, but it's actually happening! I'm not thrilled to hear them sing her songs, cause no one can do it like Mariah! They are so lucky to meet her! I think Syesha should do Mariah's theme: "Can't Take that Away". That'll surely get her voted off for screwing it up--just kidding!
orville Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST
I really hope that they can pick from more than just her songs. Didn't they do a "songs that inspire me" thing with J-Lo and Gloria Estefan so that the kids would have a bigger playlist to choose from? I think that the particular type of diva songs that Mariah sings will kill most of them--they'll either try for imitation (and get slaughtered by the judges) or "make it their own" (and still get slaughtered by the judges when it "just didn't work for me").
Barbara Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST
Julie is truly a HATER. Please Mariah is one of the best. I also loved Dolly, but come on. I'm not impressed by the way Mariah dresses but I am really impressed with her voice. The Emancipation of MiMi is the best album in a long time. I play it over and over again. HATER! Do you have any musical training at all. Listen to that voice again.
JoeC Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST
Well, they'll be singing the songs of the best singer in the world.As a Mariah fanatic, I won't miss a moment. Let's see:
Carly--Without You
David Archuletta--Hero
David Cook--Breakdown(Hardest one to come up with for him)
Jason Castro--Hero
Kristy--We Belong Together
Syesha--Vanishing(An underrated song from the debut CD)
Brooke--Love Takes Time
I can't wait!
Alyssa Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:12 AM EST
To Joan -- based on your clue for Jason, if its what I think it is, that's an even better song than We Belong Together. Kinda big though, but maybe he could do it.
Gotabrain Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:11 AM EST
Yeah, why do the judges say, "You've got to make it your own!" And then, when the contestant does try, they say, "You shouldn't have tried to tackle that one. The way (the original) did it was soooo much better." It's defeatist and sadistic. Also, Ryan! You're mean.
Gotabrain Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:11 AM EST
Yeah, why do the judges say, "You've got to make it your own!" And then, when the contestant does try, they say, "You shouldn't have tried to tackle that one. The way (the original) did it was soooo much better." It's defeatist and sadistic. Also, Ryan! You're mean.
Gwen Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:07 AM EST
DC's brother referred to a possible tear-jerker. I don't think they'll be covers of covers tonight from him.
Joan Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:05 AM EST
Archie will sing about supernatural occurrences. Jason will put his own spit on "I Do Wanna Laugh". More spoilers for you detectives.
Remember, if you figure it out, please don't spoil it for everyone on the board. Some people like surprises, you know.
Alyssa Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM EST
I agree that Jason could probably do an amazing job with "We Belong Together". I love that song. He could just strip it down and with a little emotional intensity on his part, it could be absolutely gorgeous.
David Cook Covered My Comment. Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:59 AM EST
David needs to sing "Breakdown"! Not only would it suit his dark image the song is so under-valued it needs to be on McDonald's dollar menu! Can I get a what what!
Robbie Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST
I'm very much looking forward tonight. I love me some Mariah, and I think the contestants will be forced to make her songs their own since her songs are very much all tailored to Mariah's style and voice... it could be either really big for them or really bad. Should be very entertaining TV.
Stephanie T. Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:51 AM EST
Mariah? Oh brother.
David A.- Vision of Love
Brooke- Can't Let Go
Syesha-Believe (duet with Whitney from Prince of Egypt)
Jason-We Belong Together
Carly-Someday
David C- If they will allow covers that Mariah did: Def Leppards
BRINGING ON THE HEARTBREAK!!
If he's allowed, he'll kick a-s!
Kristy- Fantasy
anonymous Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST
Does it need to songs she wrote? Or does songs she sang work. Cause "I'll be there" would be great for Jason Castro or Brooke.
anonymous Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST
Does it need to songs she wrote? Or does songs she sang work. Cause "I'll be there" would be great for Jason Castro or Brooke.
Buckeye in TX Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST
Mariah should have stopped at "Vision of Love".....everything after that song has been alot of screaming and glass shattering. How many times are we going to have to hear Randy say that the song choice was "too big" for the contestants tonight. yikes.
NineDaves Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST
i have no dobut "hero" will be chosen by someone tonight. but i'd like to see carly do a stripped down version of "fantasy." i don't know why - but i think it could work for her. or maybe i just really love that song and want someone to do it!
Dan Daoust Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST
I've always thought "Can't Let Go" has been unfairly overlooked over the years. I'd tell Carly to sing that one, or maybe even Jason Castro, to mix things up a bit.
Julie Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST
I just don't get the Mariah thing. She's homely, her voice sounds like she swallowed a whistle at the upper range, her singing is more histrionics than actual melody-making, and she dresses like a skank. Her songs are, in Simon-speak, "utterly forgettable." Dolly--rockin' mentor choice. Neil--again, great songwriter. Mariah? Please. If this week isn't a train wreck I will be shocked.
another Melanie Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:51 AM EST
I think tonight's show is going to be a mess, and I can't wait to see it!
Gator Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST
LOVE Brooke as Bambi. Great Idolatry as always Slezak. And I'm really rooting for Brooke tonight. I think she could take a Mariah song and get rid of all the trills and vocal exercises. Bring it back to the basics and the lyrics that are so catchy.
Kiki Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:49 AM EST
Wow I'm new to Idolatry, but you guys are brillat. Right on all accounts. I'll be back next week!
Heather Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:49 AM EST
I just want to vote for someone to really inappropriately sing "Touch My Body". And dedicate it to a parent.
Suzanne Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST
To "to suzanne" --thanks. I did do that. I voted earlier and was wondering how the results are going. But I get a blank screen. Seems weird to wipe the whole page away if you've already voted.
I want to know how it turns out!
b0bbyr0we Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST
I agree with Melanie, of all the vocalists you just aren't supposed to sing on idol, Mariah is probably the most untouchable. My only faith is that this particular batch of Idols seems to have a good sense of who they are, so you can get different interpretations of the songs, rather than pale comparisons (but Syesha will likely prove she thinks she's just as powerful as Mariah, potentially sending her home).
With that said, why has no one suggested the most underrated song in the MC songbook, MY ALL? Carly would sing the ____ out of it, but she may make angry face and get sent home. Therefore, I'd rather see either David Cook or Jason Castro do it in their respective styles. (And they'd have to make it their own...on their own.)
Nikki Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST
Slezak, I'm totally on the "We Belong Together" bandwagon for Jason, too! I'm really surprised no one mentioned "Hero" and "One Sweet Day" for David Archuleta or Kristy Lee Cook, though.
Suzanne Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:35 AM EST
Good Idolatry, as per the usual. Brooke as Bambi--ooohhh. So sweet. I liked that the robots were cycled back a bit too.
do you think AI will be able to mechanically change the voices like all of those Mariah Carey songs? She and all those background vocals sound so fuzzy. Other than her song Hero, I don't really know what her voice sounds like.
also, the poll is disabled. Why? Don't you want to know who our real favorite is??
to Suzanne Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST
The poll is there. You have to click on the "vote" bar and the poll pops up! Vote Syesha...she's only got 1 percent.
Melanie Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:18 AM EST
Ugh, I didn't realize how much I was dreading tonight until I watched your suggestions. I really do not get the appeal of Mariah, most of her songs are not great (or good) - Already preparing for my ears to bleed tonight. Plus, why do they have Mariah as a mentor when they repeatedly rip apart any contestant that attempts her songs? Talk about wishy-washy! Also, if KLC continues with her patriotic savvy, shouldn't she chose "Hero"?
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