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WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Those of you who didn’t quit after wretched Beatles Week Part II were rewarded with a fine bill of ditties courtesy Dolly Parton’s songbook.
This week should also be on the higher end of the quality scale: Wednesday is the second annual installment of “Idol Gives Back,” a star-studded fundraiser that will include Bono, Brad Pitt, Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli and Peyton Manning, Snoop Dogg, Billy Crystal and more.
Most importantly, for those keeping score at home, that’s two in a row guessed correctly by the Scott Fuller Prognostication Machine. Around this time last season was when folks started wondering: “Is this the week Sanjaya gets eliminated?” In an odd case of deja vu, this season viewers may now be wondering: “Is this the week Kristy Lee gets eliminated?” I’ve fed the numbers into the Fuller Prognostication Machine; let’s see what answer she spits out.
DAVID ARCHULETA, 17
» Murray, Utah
Dolly almost got a little weepy during David’s rehearsal of “Smoky Mountain Memories.” Expect this gentle-faced juggernaut to sing a syrupy ballad or two for charity as viewers pull out their tissues and their pocketbooks.
Fuller Power Rank: 1
Vegas odds: 13/10
Turn up or tune out: David has an off night now and again, but this talented teen will prove very, very tough to beat. (Plus, I think David would take repeated punches to the face and his goofy grin would persist.) Turn up.
BROOKE WHITE, 24
Let the record show: Brooke is my new favorite. Her performances are consistently entertaining and solid, if often a step shy of phenomenal. “Jolene” was great; Brooke is showing her mettle and potential star quality.
Fuller Power Rank: 2
Vegas odds: 20/1
Turn up or tune out: Brooke will need a major slipup to shake her second-in-command status. (How could she possibly be in the bottom three?!) Turn up.
DAVID COOK, 25
» Blue Springs, Mo.
David answered critics by announcing on air his use of other artists’ arrangements. With that taken care of, he nailed another performance: “Little Sparrow.” (FYI: That makes three for three on Dolly Day.)
Fuller Power Rank: 3
Vegas odds: 3/2
Turn up or tune out: David was hospitalized after the show because of heart palpitations and high blood pressure. Take it easy, dude, you’re more than safe. Turn up.
CARLY SMITHSON, 24
Carly’s pedigree has carried her thus far: The strength of her voice is edging out her lackluster performances. “Here You Come Again” was a step in the right direction; who knows, Carly’s tides may slowly be turning.
Fuller Power Rank: 4
Vegas odds: 10/1
Turn up or tune out: I think that makes four for four. I don’t see Carly getting eliminated unless she really lays an egg — or unless Simon decides to play nice and not drag her across the coals for her horrible choice of outfits. Turn up.
JASON CASTRO, 20
» Rockwall, Texas
Jason’s “Travellin’ Thru” was again far from memorable, yet again rather pleasant. His performances do not a superstar make, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy his sweet, feel-good tunes.
Fuller Power Rank: 5
Vegas odds: 25/1
Turn up or tune out: Hard to know where Jason’s train runs out of steam. His days seem numbered — and yet he’s so darn likable and, yes, talented. Turn up.
SYESHA MERCADO, 21
Syesha’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” — of Whitney Houston “The Bodyguard” fame, most notably — would leave most listeners in one of two camps: No. 1: “Girl, you are NOT Whitney!”; or No. 2: “Gosh, what a really pretty song and a really pretty performance.” Surprise: I actually fell into the second camp.
Fuller Power Rank: 6
Vegas odds: 25/1
Turn up or tune out: The longer Syesha sticks around, the more I like her chances. If she keeps singing this well — and steadily improving, by the way — she won’t be an easy contestant to force out. Turn up.
MICHAEL JOHNS, 29
Michael’s “It’s All Wrong” demonstrated that though his recent performances have been all wrong, when he’s clickin’, this down cat from Down Under can really groove.
Fuller Power Rank: 7
Vegas odds: 15/2
Turn up or tune out: My scorecard shows seven out of seven hits from last week. But is the Prognostication Machine on the fritz? I have a hard time believing Michael is second from the bottom. Turn up.
KRISTY LEE COOK, 24
» Selma, Ore.
Country music is supposed to be Lil’ Miss Gal Next Door’s bread and butter (or steak and potatoes, or apple pie and ice cream; choose whichever culinary delight best suits your slice of Americana fancy). Bottom line: When tossed this life preserver, Kristy was able to keep her head above water. (Barely.)
Fuller Power Rank: 8
Vegas odds: 125/1
Turn up or tune out: Kristy is undoubtedly the weak puppy here; nevertheless, my time machine reminds me that last season “Idol” pulled a fast one by not eliminating anyone during “Idol Gives Back” week. This critic also pulls a fast one: I think history repeats itself, and we’ll have another round of Kristy Lee before two singers get their walking papers next week. Tune out.
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: sfuller@examiner.com.
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12:25 PM MST on Tue., May. 27, 2008 re: "Fuller endorses David Archuleta"
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Examiner Reader said:
American Idol is what it is. What you take from it is who are you going to listen to and want to buy their albums. Both David's went into this last week with the right attitude....that they both were winners....no matter how the vote came out. It was amazing to me to see the respect that each of them had at the end of this long awaited competition. Who said this 17 year old boy only sang for the young ones.....I would say he covered it for all ages. I liked some of the songs David C sang as well. But if he puts out a rock album, I doubt I will buy it, but as a person he seems genuine in what I could see from my point of view. I wish them both much success in their careers and life.
5 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Good grief, people, your guy lost because half of America plus 12 million, agree that Cook is the superior talent. Archuleta is adorable and croons like an angel; very, very sweet, but, the word, "remarkable" is reserved for David Cook. He dared to be different and took risks and it paid off. On your site, there must be some kind of "dead letter desk" for letters from people like me who are Cook fans, right? This site is pretty unbalanced! :) Hey, both guys were great, but the better man won. Stop being such spoiled sports and trying to ruin everyone's fun. I think it was pretty rude to attack Cook's appearance, by the way. You thought he should lose because you hated his face? That's mature. And that smug look? It only looks like smugness, because if you have ever listened to the man, he is anything but. DC seems like a great guy as well as a great entertainer. You should give him a chance. Even though DC was my fave, I am happy to give Archie a chance and wish him luck!
3 agree | 6 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Wow reading through these comments I kind of felt like I was listening to the Archuleta cult members...guys don't drink the Kool-Aid. Archuleta bores me to tears...yeah I was sucked in at the begining by his ballads and innocent reactions, but by the time it got to the top 10 I felt like he was this season's kellie pickler...just plain annoying. And what was even more annoying was the judges' blind praise of the kid's one-trick act. I mean seriously Randy, are you really that biased? I've even joked that the judges had a creepy statutory love for the little kid because they just keep going on and on about songs that no one wants to listen to. At least Cook has some originality and courage to sing different things, and he does them well. I have repeatedly You-tubed Idol performances all season, Cook, Michael Johns, Carly... but I think the only time i ever went to listen to the little kid again was the first time he sang imagine. And then i only listened once!
6 agree | 8 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I agree COMPLETELY- thanks for not being swayed by all the generation X bloggers who think little David is not "cool" in a way that cynical, jaded America appreciates. That kid is a true talent and I love him- and I am a 31 year old prof., not a teeny bopper. Archuleta is the real deal!
5 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Scott, I wrote to you last year about Jordin and how much I loved her!! You didn't care for her but she did end up winning. It is a different year, and I totally agree with you. If the person who should win American Idol wins, it will be David Archuleta. He is the best singer hands down and you could tell he put his heart, soul, everything he has ito his performances tonight!!! We hope many others agree with us that he is worthy and deserves the title.
8 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
im sooo in love with archuleta rite now....just dont forget to vote tonight 4 archuleta!!!!
5 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I LOVE FULLER...for choosing ARCHIE!!!!! WE LOVE u DAVID ARCHULETA!!!! U R IN IT TO WIN IT BABY!!!
4 agree | 4 disagree
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whimzical said:
i'm with you on that!
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ella said:
You are so right Scott!
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JesseQ said:
Scott: Never have I enjoyed an article of yours more than today's. Yout got it "spot on"! David Archuleta is not only an amazing singer, but he is also an amazing person. When someone like David A. displays genuine humility and gratitude, people instinctively doubt the sincerity; an unfortunate sign of the times. He is a true talent and whether or not he wins the Idol Crown, he has already won my and America's heart. DAFTW!!!
8 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You nailed it Archuleta is the most talented and most deserving. He has my vote and he has since day one. Please vote for him tonight. He truly deserves to win.And what a great role model for the teens today..I LOVE YOU DAVID A. sing your heart out toight!!!!!
6 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I wonder what David Cook was like at 17? Something tells me he was pretty unremarkable. David A has a long, exciting future. Why give the crown to someone who only went to the audition to 'hang out' with his brother. Let's help DA realise his dream and give his career a great headstart.
8 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
David's voice is a healing balm. David's voice is a healing balm. (Sorry, my comments keep getting cut off.) David Archuleta is still learning the art of showmanship. That I'll admit. But, beyond that, he is so superior there is no comparison. Cook is good, but there are lots of rockers. You just don't find people with the voice of an angel like David Archuleta. He'll be HUGE! Here's what a 44 y/o male, 25 years in the classical music business said: I don't like "Imagine" or Lennon, but 20 seconds into that song David had me in tears. he made that song sound like one written by Schubert. "David’s voice is THE PUREST, MOST BEAUTIFUL I HAVE EVER HEARD in a person that young. And I know voices if I do say so myself. Some of MY CLIENTS ARE AMONG THE BIGGEST STARS in opera. But beautiful voices are just beautiful voices. David’s has more than just beauty. It CONNECTS. And it’s that combination that is so rare. Very few artists can do that and almost none at his tender a
12 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
David's voice is a healing balm. David's voice is a healing balm. (Sorry, my comments keep getting cut off.) David Archuleta is still learning the art of showmanship. That I'll admit. But, beyond that, he is so superior there is no comparison. Cook is good, but there are lots of rockers. You just don't find people with the voice of an angel like David Archuleta. He'll be HUGE! Here's what a 44 y/o male, 25 years in the classical music business said: I don't like "Imagine" or Lennon, but 20 seconds into that song David had me in tears. he made that song sound like one written by Schubert. "David’s voice is THE PUREST, MOST BEAUTIFUL I HAVE EVER HEARD in a person that young. And I know voices if I do say so myself. Some of MY CLIENTS ARE AMONG THE BIGGEST STARS in opera. But beautiful voices are just beautiful voices. David’s has more than just beauty. It CONNECTS. And it’s that combination that is so rare. Very few artists can do that and almost none at his tender a
7 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Hooray for a thinking person's take on the entire competition. Sometimes logic comes down to simple facts. David Archuleta is the better singer. Too bad people get distracted by other things.
8 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I'm with you on this. Cook is VERY good and oh, so cool, but Archuleta has a unique voice that is just magic. He makes me feel. Not that it matters, but I live one hour from KCMO. Should be a Cook fan. And I noticed that belated and half-hearted Mother's Day wish, also. And the fact that Cook seems to think that saying thank you is trite (!)
6 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
...see him on the Idol tour and count myself lucky. Besides the killer voice, David Archuleta is one of the most endearing, uplifting human beings I have ever encountered. I've NEVER been remotely interested in a musician or celebrity but have found myself completely CAPTIVATED by this young singer. I've read many stories by people whose lives David has effected for good. The most tender and poignant was on iTunes' comment line for purchasers of David's AI song "Imagine". It was by 'Iraq soldier'. He said in part: "I have saved and lost many soldiers on my hospital beds in the E.R. in Baghdad, Iraq, 28 CSH. For the last six months I could not find peace in my heart after I left. I could not find sleep. I could not find reason. I found all of those things tonight as you sang, and I wept so hard. You have an amazing gift. I will take the risk and dream again. I will imagine. Thank you, David. You brought belief back to a grieving soldier M.D." David's voice is a healin
6 agree | 4 disagree
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Fuller is an idiot said:
I think Steve Fuller is just a KC hater. Which is OK, I know lots of people from StL that hate KC and most everything about it. Some irrational hate I think from 1985. Anyway, while AI is supposed to be a pure singing contest, it is not. It is an entertainment competition and while Archie may have the better voice his presentation is suspect. If they were both to release albums today I could guarantee that DC is much more promotable and commercial than Archie will be for some time to come. Every time they call out Archie he looks like he is going to hyperventilate. I want to yell at the TV, someone get him a paper sack, he is going to die. Archie just acts like a 8 year old in a 17yr olds body. DC is older and is certainly more mature and comes off as a better entertainer and will make Simon a lot more money than Archie will. Fuller, maybe you are not a complete idiot. I did like Blake too.
5 agree | 9 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I am SO smitten with David Archuleta! His exquisite, soaring, emotive voice is just piercing to me! His voice is filled with longing and passion. There are several of his songs that I can't listen to without getting teary. David Archuleta is the man. He has me listening to popular music for the first time in over 20 long years. I read that he was going to be on American Idol, and though I'd never watched the show before, I decided to check it out. I also read that David A. had had 300,000 hits on his YouTube videos. I went to YouTube for the first time and watched the 27 that were there. (Now, there are over 10,000.) I was blown away! I decided that if there was beauty like THAT in the world and I wasn't listening, I was a FOOL. No longer! I am loving listening to Archie and popular music. It's great. I drove 730 miles one way to his homecoming, will drive 300 one way to se
7 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Well said Scott; and bravo for putting down in black and white what many people actually feel but dare not say for fear of beng labelled 'uncool'. David Archuleta IS the American Idol in every sense of the word, and in this world where tragedy and sadness seem to multiply by the day, there is always room for a humble young man who just wants to sing and spread his message of light and hope to the world.
12 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Not only do I agree that David Archuleta is a better singer, your analysis is right on target. I am convinced, the people who call Archuleta "boring" or focus on his lack of ability to connect with a song, are not really listening to how incredible his voice is and how passionate he is about the lyrics. They have decided not to like him to be contrary. His music will sell whether he is winner or runner up.
16 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I don't always agree but really appreciate Scott's articles. I wrote him after Jordin's win last year, and I felt he was very gracious. How boring it would be if we all felt exactly the same regarding the contestants. I haven't felt as much passion for one single winner this year, but I have enjoyed the process and feel the finale will be quite good. Either David should make a terrific Idol, although I think it would serve David Cook's career better for him to be the runner up. Scott, thanks for all the wonderful critiques and articles.
4 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Hi Scott, I read your column each week with your critique of the week's "Idol" contestants' performances (Season 7). I don't always agree or disagree with your "points" but sometimes I don't GET IT! Maybe because you're a man. Wait! I'm not bashing men--hell, I'm married to one (he-he) but you know the saying... Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus... with that said... Being a woman, my opinions/observations of the performers are obviously different from your opinions/observations. I know in the past you shared duties with a male columnist (sorry--can't remember his name) and while those opinions were different and much appreciated--they just didn't connect with a lot of the female readers (just ask the women in the building where I work). Soooooo, my recommendation for Season 8... get a woman's point-of-view! I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding "guest" columnists that are willing to share their opinion or observation for that week! Cheers!
4 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I look forward to every Tuesday's paper for your take on American Idol; however it is hard to get pass some of your opinions, but they are just that... and I am glad for your column.
5 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I've been trying to figure out how you rate the idols since it's not according to their talent and I thought maybe it's just a matter of taste, but the more I read your articles on Tuesday, the more I realize that you have no taste. Or maybe you rate them according to how they look?? Carly-ugly, David Cook-funny looking? Maybe you should be rating the models' show. Maybe you should look at "Eye on the Idol" - Balta had it right all through the contest & now the rest of the Country and even Simon are finally getting it right--David, David & Carly all the way. And Brooke, not only is she not the top female singer, she should have been gone weeks ago, even before Kristy Lee. You think you'd have learned after last year when you were wrong all the way to the last show & you still are wrong.
8 agree | 6 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
What does Apple have to do with anything? One more reason why Scott Fuller is indeed the Kristy Lee Cook of journalism.
8 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You, sir, are a master of the insipid and failed metaphor. No points for you this round.
8 agree | 8 disagree
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Robin Ficker, Broker Robin Realty said:
American Idol is my favorite TV show. Even though I may not always agree with Scott Fuller, he makes it fun to think about the show and who may win or lose.
27 agree | 32 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
That may be the worst lede ever written by a human being.
30 agree | 32 disagree
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