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American Idol Recap: Four down, 19 to go

By M&C Smallscreen Feb 22, 2008, 18:36 GMT

David Archuleta (R) stcks his tongue out at Simon: American Idol Season 7 Top 24 Semi-Finalist Party Hosted by Garnier Fructis - Arrivals - The Day After Club - Los Angeles, CA, USA © Inez Lewis / PR Photos

The first round of real cuts is underway for the Idol franchise that has a surprising number of really talented singers this season.

The show also served as a launch of sorts for Randy Jackson’s new album and Paula Abdul’s new single, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow"; her video debuted and she can still rock the moves for a lady over forty.  Jackson looks good too.

Allegedly viewers cast more than 28 million votes this week according to Ryan Seacrest who introduced the three musketeers (Cowell, Jackson and Abdul) of reality television “Artist Development.”

How much do you think Coca Cola is ponying up to have their red tumblers parked in front of these judges? I bet the farm that none of the weight-obsessed judges are sitting there swilling the high-fructose corn syrup based beverage.

Then, in an attempt to address the swell of complaints that some of the "Idol" contestants are pros and not plucked from obscurity, Seacrest says, "Some of these contestants are no strangers to the stage, should this affect viewer voting at home?"

Paula says no, that they are talented and this is “a savvy business,” and I am sure now the floodgates will open for failed boy band members to reinvent themselves via the "Idol" pipeline of auditioning.

If the Idolettes had "not already tried to make a name for themselves they don't deserve to be in this competition," says Paula.

Apparently even Kelly Clarkson had a record deal before going on to win the first edition of "Idol," according to Abdul. It has been revealed that “aw shucks” David Archuleta was a "Star Search" winner, dreadlocked hunk Jason Castro starred in the MTV series "Cheyenne" and  Michael Johns had a major label deal in Australia before he came here.

As we previously mentioned, Robbie Carrico was part of a pop group called Boyz-N-Girlz United that toured with Britney Spears.  Irish-born tattoo shop owner Carly Smithson also had a deal that dried up.

Garrett Haley is up to the guillotine first. "It's been quite a journey . . . tonight we have to say goodbye to you. It's over for you," Seacrest says.

Seacrest asks Garrett whether he thought Simon had been too tough on him Tuesday night when he said Garrett was too pale like he's been shut up in his room too long."I know I'm a pale kid, but I'm happy with the way I am -- I haven't gone tanning, so I'm being myself," Garrett says.

Seacrest calls Kristy Lee Cook to the center of the stage. "You are safe, the person who is leaving us tonight unfortunately is Amy Davis," he adds.

Another good choice.

Seacrest asks Paula if she has advice for Amy. Paula tells her to "paint that door and that knob." Anyone out there want to translate that sentiment for us?

A break in the pain as Seacrest intros the awaited new video by Abdul, as Paula will "shake what Mama Abdul gave her."

A lot of wind machines and flat irons were used in the making of this video, digital post frame by frame “fixing” too.

Back to winnowing the herd.

Next Seacrest summons skunk-coiffed Amanda Overmyer  and Diva Joanne Borgella.

Joanne is cut. 

Next is Chikezie and Colton Berry to the deck of doom.

Berry is picked, he is out. I have a bit of trouble with this one. Though I didn’t care for Berry, Chikezie’s performance was a lesser one yet he lives for another week

Paula advises Colton to keep on and pick the right songs and "go for it."

Seacrest then asks poison pill and reality check-issuer Simon if he has any constructive criticism for Colton.

Simon unapologetically recommends that Colton go and get himself a good job and enjoy singing on the side because "I don't think you will make a successful career out of it."

People hate being told the truth. It is why good people tell copious white lies, to spare others feelings.  Simon has lost this façade of manners a long time ago.
Paula goes apoplectic over the curt summary of Cowell’s asked for opinion of Berry’s future.

"Then don't ask me," Simon shuts her off.

See you next week.