Idol Chatter Live: Double the Davids

(05/21/2008)

11:02

gbarber:

Hello, friends. And welcome to our final Idol Chatter Live session of this television season.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:02 gbarber

11:02

gbarber:

The big topic today, of course, is which David emerges victorious tonight. But I'm also primed to chat about all other things "Idol" — including how the heck they're going to fill two hours of airtime tonight.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:02 gbarber

11:03

gbarber:

Not that they ever have a problem with that, of course.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:03 gbarber

11:03

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Mornin' Greg

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:03 William

11:03

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

Given that I like D.C. much better, I still think he did a much better job last night. Imaginitive, original, and he didn't pander.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:03 Oedi

11:04

gbarber:

Ah, let's get right to it.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:04 gbarber

11:04

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I agree with Oedi. David A. is pretty...but boring

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:04 William

11:04

gbarber:

I've read the comments this morning, and I know my conclusion wasn't popular with everybody, but that's what my gut says: David Archuleta played to win. David Cook, to me, didn't.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:04 gbarber

11:05

gbarber:

I loved his first song. I thought he did OK on his second one. But his last one totally lost me.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:05 gbarber

11:06

gbarber:

And, sorry, but I really did get the feeling -- kind of overwhelmingly, actually -- during that last song that he knew he wasn't going to win.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:06 gbarber

11:06

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I don't disagree with you, Greg. David Cook played to grow. Much more admirable that playing to win.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:06 William

11:07

gbarber:

Although I'd argue that he didn't really grow on that last one. It didn't really gain him any ground, I don't think.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:07 gbarber

11:07

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Agree with Oedi and William. You know, I don't think Cook played to win -- I think he played to be more interesting and creative.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:07 EOC

11:07

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I'm sure Cook didn't think he was going to win, especially after the inexplicable tongue-bath given Archuleta on the first two songs.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:07 EOC

11:08

gbarber:

I actually just got an image of Simon as Barkley, the giant dog from "Sesame Street." It was kind of weird, but oddly reassuring.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:08 gbarber

11:09

gbarber:

But the judges going for Archuleta didn't necessarily guarantee a Li'l David victory. What I'd argue is that David C. didn't bring the dish we expected. He's the guy with the creative song interpretations. And neither of his covers really strayed from the original.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:09 gbarber

11:10

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Agree, EOC. Simon and Randy were definitely favoring Archie.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:10 William

11:10

[Comment From Demi MondeDemi Monde: ]

TOTALLY, Greg. I think David C. realized he should have whipped out "Hello," and he just kinda lost heart.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:10 Demi Monde

11:11

gbarber:

That's what I think, too. His "The World I Know" sounded like a song sung by a beaten man.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:11 gbarber

11:11

gbarber:

I'm not saying it wasn't good. But I am saying it definitely didn't project an air of victory.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:11 gbarber

11:11

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I disagree, Greg. He made both of those songs his own. They kept the basic melody, but they were different enough to have his stamp on them. Archie's take on Elton was so much more original?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:11 William

11:12

[Comment From Demi MondeDemi Monde: ]

Archie's take on Elton was -- ahem -- Clay's take on Elton five years ago. just sayin'.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:12 Demi Monde

11:12

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Clay did it better.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:12 William

11:13

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

Way better.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:13 Oedi

11:13

gbarber:

No, it wasn't. But that's where there's a difference in expectations in my mind. I don't expect Li'l David to be original, I expect him to sing really well. David Cook, I expect to be original. It's the bar they both set for themselves.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:13 gbarber

11:13

gbarber:

Is that fair? I'm not sure. But it's true.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:13 gbarber

11:13

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I also think it's not exactly fair to have the bar set SO high for Cook. He had less time than ever to rearrange three songs. It's a lot to expect of him to have time to do these huge arrangements when Archuleta can just come out and sing a song, same as ever, and get huge praise.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:13 EOC

11:14

gbarber:

Agreed on the fairness thing. But it is what it is. David's trained us to expect tweaky arrangements from him, and that's what we all want him to do.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:14 gbarber

11:15

gbarber:

Mary Lou Retton is an engaging public speaker. But if she went on TV in 1984 and didn't do a backflip, we'd have been disappointed. Same thing here.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:15 gbarber

11:15

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I totally understand your point. I just think it's a superhuman task, given the time constraints.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:15 EOC

11:16

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

It's not fair, but I guess I agree, Greg. Do you think your own fatalism about his chances are coloring your thoughts?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:16 William

11:17

gbarber:

I actually went into last night thinking David Cook had it in the bag. So I wouldn't say it's fatalism that's coloring my thoughts, more an honest appraisal of what each competitor brought to the table.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:17 gbarber

11:17

gbarber:

Wow. That question brought me back to my college English classes. Kick ass.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:17 gbarber

11:17

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

Not sure about who "played to win" -- they both showed up. But no question, DA is a much better singer than DC. Better tone, better quality. That being said he can't perform his way out of a paper bag. bottom line: I think most folks have already made up their mind -- last night will do little to swing many votes either way.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:17 RedRocket

11:18

gbarber:

I'd count myself as a swing vote (even though I didn't vote), and Li'l David swayed me to his camp. And let me say for the record that I personally like David Cook's music better than Li'l David's. But I still think he's gonna lose.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:18 gbarber

11:19

gbarber:

BTW, Red Rocket, glad to see you're still riding the "Idol" Express even in a post-Syesha world.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:19 gbarber

11:19

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Thank you, RedRocket. Well said.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:19 William

11:19

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Greg, I think you should write a hell of an essay, complete with thesis statement and supporting paragraphs.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:19 EOC

11:19

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

So to continue your Olympic theme. That Russian that beat Nancy Kerrigan was more flawlessin her less difficult routine than Nancy was in her more difficult one.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:19 William

11:20

gbarber:

Yes. I think David Cook is probably sitting on the ground and clutching his knees right now.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:20 gbarber

11:20

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Based on what I've read about how the phone voting went down, I would not count Cook out just yet. Don't know about the texters, but it's going to be very close.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:20 EOC

11:20

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

lol Greg

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:20 William

11:21

gbarber:

I have no doubt it'll be close. And I'm not positive I won't be wrong. These guys are both solid performers and, as you mentioned in a comment earlier today, EOC, they've both got gigantic fan bases. But if I was judging the competition, I'd have handed the win to Archuleta.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:21 gbarber

11:21

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Is that David "Galooley" Archuleta I see with a tire iron in his hand?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:21 EOC

11:22

gbarber:

Does that make Paula Tonya Harding?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:22 gbarber

11:23

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

Syesha who? (just kidding) but I appreciate your honesty about swinging your vote. You are keeping this a singing contest. But I just feel that most had already made up their minds -- all things equal. My guess is that DA's fan base is larger.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:23 RedRocket

11:23

gbarber:

I'm not sure. I think Li'l David's inspired a backlash in recent weeks, which could be what pushes Cook to victory. But -- sorry to be a broken record -- I don't think his performance last night stacked up.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:23 gbarber

11:24

gbarber:

I'll ask the David C. backers out there: Do you think last night was David Cook at his best?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:24 gbarber

11:24

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Pretty darn close to his best, yes.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:24 William

11:24

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

My guess is that DA's fan base is composed of more (read: younger) people who will vote their fingers off for him (and then promptly forget about him once the next Jonas Brothers-wannabe pops up).

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:24 EOC

11:25

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

Yes, I actually thought he was VERY good

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:25 virginia

11:25

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Yeah, I'd say that his combined effort was equal to him doing Billie Jean.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:25 EOC

11:25

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

His best? Given what he had to work with, yes. And he was brave.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:25 Oedi

11:26

gbarber:

Yeah, but if he'd done what he did AND added "Billie Jean," he might be in a better place. Without the Collective Soul song. But, again, that's just an opinion. As Simon might say.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:26 gbarber

11:26

[Comment From Demi MondeDemi Monde: ]

Red Rocket, you won't have to live in a post-Syesha world. Getting to the top three (or even, like, top eight) pretty much guarantees the contestants an agent and a deal. Thanks to reality TV, nothing ever goes away.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:26 Demi Monde

11:27

gbarber:

Very true. I'm curious to see where she ends up next.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:27 gbarber

11:27

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I see her in a TV drama.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:27 William

11:27

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

Do you think we would like the 2nd performance of Billie Jean better than his first? Or would we have comparedit and found it lacking?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:27 Oedi

11:28

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Bingo, Oedi. I wouldn't have wanted a reprise.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:28 William

11:28

gbarber:

I'm not sure. But I think it would have scored more points than that Collective Soul song.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:28 gbarber

11:28

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I dunno. I think Syesha did surge, but I see her as more of a Jasmine or Vonzell #3, rather than an Elliott or Kimberley Locke #3.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:28 EOC

11:29

gbarber:

Ooh, do I see a rumble coming on?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:29 gbarber

11:29

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

wow, totally forgot about Vonzell!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:29 virginia

11:29

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

She's going to be a successful actor. Singing will be secondary.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:29 William

11:29

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

*pushing up sleeves, snaps fingers a la West Side Story*

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:29 EOC

11:29

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I don't see how Cook could've measured up to his original Billie Jean. And I think it would've lacked the emotional resonance that I felt the Collective Soul song had.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:29 EOC

11:30

gbarber:

Good point. But, see, for me, it's the emotion that sunk him. It wasn't the emotion of a winner, it was the emotion of a guy who, I think, was hanging on to a shred of hope, but was girding for a loss.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:30 gbarber

11:31

gbarber:

Not that he won't be rich and famous and wildly successful anyway, mind you.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:31 gbarber

11:31

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I like this EOC. Right on.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:31 William

11:31

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

Ditto, EOC.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:31 Oedi

11:32

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

There was the body language to support your thoughts, Greg. At the end, he sort of backed away and pointed to Archie.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:32 William

11:32

gbarber:

Indeed he did. I really got a party's-over kind of vibe from him.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:32 gbarber

11:33

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

I didn't see it that way. Yes, it was subtle and almost subdued but as a capper to such a life-changing time it was evocative and reflective, which I thought was perfect.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:33 Oedi

11:33

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Yeah, what Oedi said.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:33 EOC

11:33

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

Agree with Oedi. I just think its DC's style. He is quietly confident and defferential to his competitors.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:33 RedRocket

11:34

gbarber:

It was honest and reflective and brilliantly emotional, I agree. I like this guy! I'd probably buy his album. But I think he gave off the wrong vibe last night. And I think it was a signal that he's resigned himself to a loss. If he'd have hit me with a more original song -- a new or old David Cook classic -- I'd feel differently. But he didn't. While Archuleta was, I think, at the top of his game.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:34 gbarber

11:35

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I dunno, I thought the emotion was appropriate for Cook's emotional roller-coaster of a season. And I'm sure that part of him would rather see Archie take the crown, for a variety of reasons.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:35 EOC

11:35

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I also agree that Cook will be better off if he loses.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:35 William

11:36

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I'm sure Cook doesn't want to be known as the guy who beat the half-boy/half-puppy.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:36 EOC

11:36

gbarber:

I'd agree with that. He doesn't need to win this thing. Last night was one chapter of his career ending. But a brilliant -- and much more lucrative -- one is surely about to begin.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:36 gbarber

11:36

gbarber:

And, of course, there's his love of puppies to consider.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:36 gbarber

11:36

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

DC has been such a different contestant from the start. He did his own thing and didn't play the tired game that most AI finalists do. He realizes he got super lucky and he's just out there trying to do his best--his way--and he isn't the next John Lennon.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:36 Oedi

11:37

gbarber:

By no means is David Archuleta the next John Lennon. He's probably the next Clay Aiken. David Cook will be the next David Cook. I think both will be successful.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:37 gbarber

11:38

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

Greg, chill! We agree. DA won the night. But let's stop with the "who wants it more" cliches. Both teams get to the Super Bowl -- know what it means to win -- but only one can win. DC did not defer or back down. He is just "DC" and did his thing. He is smart and knows what's at stake. Believe me, he'll take the win if it comes tonight!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:38 RedRocket

11:38

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I think that maybe Archie showed up to win the competition; Cook showed up to launch a career.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:38 EOC

11:39

gbarber:

I agree. And I think each David accomplished his goal brilliantly.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:39 gbarber

11:39

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Archie will have a different career than Clay. Clay was a MUCH better performer though their perfect pitch and singing is comparable.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:39 William

11:40

gbarber:

I knew that'd tweak the Clay fans.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:40 gbarber

11:40

[Comment From Demi MondeDemi Monde: ]

Seriously, Greg; don't poke the clay fans. We bite.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:40 Demi Monde

11:41

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

lol Demi

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:41 William

11:41

gbarber:

Yeah, you do.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:41 gbarber

11:41

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I can't imagine an Archie concert. "Oh gosh...this sure is swell...huh huh huh huh"

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:41 William

11:41

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

I think Archie will have a 2-year run and in 15 years he'll be like New Kids on the Bliock trying to captialize on the grown-up nutty now-teenage fans.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:41 Oedi

11:42

gbarber:

I think Li'l David will do well in the short term. Not sure about his long-term pospects, but you never know. Tony Bennett's still singing.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:42 gbarber

11:42

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

He'll be on Dancing With the Stars someday.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:42 William

11:42

gbarber:

Have you ever seen that kid dance? No way.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:42 gbarber

11:43

gbarber:

I've got more rhythm.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:43 gbarber

11:43

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Tony Bennett is a PERFORMER.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:43 William

11:43

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

Hey HEY!!! Tony Bennett was GOOD in his day

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:43 virginia

11:43

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

lol Greg

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:43 William

11:43

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Ooooh, Greg's gettin' SPICY on us today!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:43 EOC

11:43

gbarber:

Wow, tweaking the Tony Bennett fans. Y'all can go ahead thinking that. I think he speaks with musical accompaniment. But to each his own.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:43 gbarber

11:44

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Believe it or not, I actually think Cook's trajectory (not his singing) is more comparable to Clay's. Not quite The Chosen One, popular with the cougars, seen as the more talented and diverse than the actual Chosen One.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:44 EOC

11:44

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Tony Bennett is a true gift.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:44 William

11:44

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

trashin' Toney Bennett will get you no where

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:44 virginia

11:44

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

*whispers i agree with greg about bennet*

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:44 EOC

11:45

gbarber:

Thanks. We can form a support group.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:45 gbarber

11:45

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I think that when Archie puts out a CD of 10 message ballads and his doe-eyed mug isn't on their TV a couple times a week -- his tweenie fans will get bored and move on.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:45 EOC

11:46

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

Totally, EOC.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:46 Oedi

11:46

gbarber:

Maybe. It all depends on how good the material he gets is. Since we all know he won't be writing his own stuff.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:46 gbarber

11:47

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

But what's your beef with Seacrest? He is a comforting and welcome presence Somebody has got to carry all that extra, unneccesary time.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:47 William

11:47

gbarber:

And if there's one thing Seacrest is good at, it's filling time.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:47 gbarber

11:48

gbarber:

I don't really have a beef with Seacrest. He just presents a nearly irresistable target, what with his overdramatization and his Guy Smiley persona. But he's damn good at what he does.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:48 gbarber

11:48

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

That's his job. He must get paid well. But not many others could pull that off. Look at that lame lady on DWTS.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:48 William

11:48

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Yeah, how can you not make fun of Seacrest?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:48 EOC

11:48

gbarber:

It should be a national pasttime!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:48 gbarber

11:49

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I actually think Seacrest is great during the auditions, though.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:49 EOC

11:49

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

Would you rather have Joey FATtone or whatever from that singing bee show?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:49 RedRocket

11:49

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

better than dunkelman

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:49 virginia

11:49

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

::shiver::: no

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:49 William

11:49

gbarber:

I think Joey Fatone should be the first singer in space, not Lance Bass. Deep space. Very deep space.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:49 gbarber

11:50

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

I saw this thing about Seacrest. His ambition is to be the next Dick Clark. Not that Dick Clark will ever die.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:50 Oedi

11:50

gbarber:

Dick Clark is a hologram. I'm almost sure of it.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:50 gbarber

11:51

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

He already is Dick Clark. The man is everywhere and must never sleep.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:51 William

11:51

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

not many people like Seacreast come along too often. Regis and Dick Clark

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:51 virginia

11:51

gbarber:

I think lots of them come along, but most of them end up mumbling to themselves in front of mirrors or on the street.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:51 gbarber

11:52

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

lol

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:52 William

11:52

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

lol

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:52 virginia

11:52

[Comment From Demi MondeDemi Monde: ]

They should clear out Fox news affiliates on this day every year and do live coverage of the votes as they're counted, just like with a less-important election. I'd totally watch Paul Begala and Laura Ingram weigh in on David vs David all day.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:52 Demi Monde

11:53

gbarber:

Only if they also get James Carville in on that. He and Li'l David can have a muppet-off.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:53 gbarber

11:53

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

lol Demi. At least it will end sooner than the primary.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:53 William

11:53

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Do they ask how their reflection could encompass such perfection?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:53 EOC

11:54

gbarber:

Seriously, those songwriting competition songs make me feel dumber for having heard them.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:54 gbarber

11:54

gbarber:

They were both pretty useless.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:54 gbarber

11:55

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I've had DREAM BIG! in my head all day. I want to shoot myself, because I only know one line of it.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:55 EOC

11:55

gbarber:

Aaaaaaand now I've got it in mine. Thanks for that.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:55 gbarber

11:55

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

YES!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:55 EOC

11:55

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Where does Idol go from here, Greg? Will anything change? Is it losing steam? Will it go on for years to come?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:55 William

11:56

gbarber:

I think it's still popular enough to keep going. The ratings have been down this season, but I think the producers have the formula down pat. And it still likely rakes in MUCH more money than it costs. And there'll never be a shortage of people who want to watch themselves sing on TV.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:56 gbarber

11:57

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

Only as long as the ratings stay up. And they don't seem to be losing ground.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:57 RedRocket

11:57

[Comment From Demi MondeDemi Monde: ]

There is a new potential generation of Idol fans waiting int he wings even as we (presumably) bow out. I mean, ths year, a lot of auditioners said they "greq up" watching Idol. Yikes!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:57 Demi Monde

11:57

gbarber:

Yeah. If that doesn't make you feel your age, I don't know what does.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:57 gbarber

11:57

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I wish it was open to us 50 year olds. I can sure belt out a tune. :)

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:57 William

11:58

gbarber:

Producer Clinton had a response for you, William: They should have an "American Idol: Silver Edition."

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:58 gbarber

11:58

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

Nice!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:58 virginia

11:58

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Cool! I'm in!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:58 William

11:58

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

William: You mean like "You are my BROther! My one and ONly!"

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:58 RedRocket

11:58

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

They had that American Juniors show. You never know!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:58 EOC

11:59

gbarber:

Okay, friends, prediction time: Who do you think will win? Not who do you WANT to win, but who do you think WILL win?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:59 gbarber

11:59

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

Should be DC, but it'll be DA.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:59 Oedi

11:59

[Comment From virginiavirginia: ]

david a

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:59 virginia

11:59

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

Archie

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:59 RedRocket

11:59

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

Archie will win. And it's for the best.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:59 William

11:59

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

DA.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:59 EOC

12:00

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

That confirms it. We all voted for DA. So DC will win!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:00 RedRocket

12:00

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

One thing I predict whatever the result: Excessive crying.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:00 EOC

12:00

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

lol

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:00 William

12:01

[Comment From Demi MondeDemi Monde: ]

From me. Will this ever end?

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 Demi Monde

12:01

gbarber:

Definitely. Hankies are not optional.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 gbarber

12:01

[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]

I'm going to miss you, Greg ::sigh:::

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 William

12:01

[Comment From RedRocketRedRocket: ]

Thanks Greg. Later.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 RedRocket

12:01

[Comment From OediOedi: ]

Thanks, Greg!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 Oedi

12:01

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

I'm going to miss you, too, Greg.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 EOC

12:01

[Comment From Demi MondeDemi Monde: ]

Yeah. Greg is the winner! You are our American Idol!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 Demi Monde

12:02

[Comment From EOCEOC: ]

Greg rules!

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:02 EOC

12:02

gbarber:

Thanks much guys. That's it for this last Idol Chatter chat. But don't fret, I've got one more "Idol" recap tomorrow.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:02 gbarber

12:03

gbarber:

And next week, I'll be contributing quite a bit to our main readexpress.com blog, Free Ride. You can find more of me and our other Express writers at readexpress.com. We've got big things planned in the coming months.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:03 gbarber

12:03

gbarber:

Thanks, as always, to producer Clinton Yates for keeping the comments coming and to all of you for reading and participating. We'll see how this story ends tonight.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:03 gbarber

12:03

gbarber:

Have a good day till then, everybody.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:03 gbarber

12:04

Thank you for reading today.

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