Courtesy of Parliament    

Don’t ‘kid’ yourself.  The youngster, David Archuleta will not be the next American IDOL.  Let me tell you why.

Much like previous American IDOL, there is always a front runner.  Last year, Melinda Doolittle, and the year prior, Chris Daughtry.  Early on, when a contestant thrives in the early rounds, he or she sets a mark, or gives a performance that is deemed so good, or great, and the public jumps on the bandwagon.  Here’s where the problem lies.  When an Idol peaks too early, or gives a memorable performance in the early stages, it sets themselves up for major disappointment.  Let me explain.

“Clocking quick fractions” … is a term horse racing fans are all too familiar with.  You don’t want to go out too fast.  And David Archuleta just went out in 21 flat, in a Mile and a Quarter race.  When an American IDOL contestant gives a top-notch performance early, they are expected to match this level week in, and week out.  And frankly, it just doesn’t happen.  Archuleta received tons of praise for his performance of the Lennon classic “IMAGINE”, this week.  Even I thought it was great.  But guess what, as the weeks pass, the “boy wonder” Archuleta will not be the best over and over again.  And the judges will be honest, and tell him that.  In turn, the fans get bored, and assume, he is safe, and begin to give their voting attention elsewhere.  I called this same scenario out last season.  LaKeisha was magnificent, on her first performance.  Simon even made a statement, saying that the 23 contestants might as well go home.  Unfortunately, for LaKeisha, she was never able to match her first “breakout” performance, and the disappointments tend to sway voters.

Sure it appears that the “boy wonder” has support now.  “Arch Angels” … “ARCHies” … whatever you want to call his followers.  But don’t be surprise to see his popularity falter.  The winner usually, shows steady improvement.  Develops into a polished singer.  The formula of being the best in early rounds, and going “wire to wire”, just don’t happen.  The IDOL Hollywood stage is not a speed bias surface.  The fractions will take their toll. 

David Archuleta’s future might be bright, but not as the next American IDOL.

Courtesy of Parliament   

The Top 10 ladies covered the 70’s last night.  Again by miles, out-performing the guys from the night previous.  Honestly, American Idol gets down to the Top 12, they really need to consider only letting three or four guys in, the rest should be girls.  For instance, of the ladies, I think Kristy Lee Cook is probably the 8^th Best Female contestant left, and she isn’t that bad.  I mean, she is better than 70% of the guys.  For the record, even though the aforementioned Kristy Lee Cook probably has little chance at winning Idol, she will definitely become a huge star in Country Music.

For me,  Carly “HENNESSY” Smithson was the best performing female for the second consecutive week.  Sure she is a ringer, but the girl can sing, no doubt.  She is probably the odds on favorite to win right now, along with David Archuleta and Michael “LEE” Johns. 

I really liked Syesha and Ramiele again as well.  Along with Smithson, Archuleta, Johns, and David Cook, these two ladies, Syesha and Ramiele should make up your Top 6 later on in the competition.

In mid-pack we have Brooke, Alaina, Asia’h, Kady, and Kristy Lee.  None of them blew me away last night, though Asia’h did recover nicely from a horrid first verse, to close the night.  Brooke, Alaina, and Kady to me, all have growth potential.  Brooke is obviously one of the most talented of ALL the contestants, but her stage presence isn’t quite there.  Kady needs to find her niche, she needs to focus on her strengths, and not try to be like other female artists.  Alaina’s youth appears to be her biggest obstacle.  She has a nice voice, but sometimes appears green, on stage when singing, and even when interviewing.  Asia’h is probably the best of this middle pack vocally, but she also needs to focus in on her strengths, high long belting notes.  When she tries to sing deep melodies, it doesn’t work.  Kristy has the look, and the personality to make it big, American Idol is just a stepping stone for her.

That leaves Amanda and Alexandrea.  What can I say?  It was obviously that these two just don’t compare to the rest of the female contestants.  Amanda is purely a backup singer.  She sang the Chorus well again last night, but she can’t pull off the melody.  In fact, it was a borderline “butcher job”.  She’ll be gone by the first commercial break.  Alexandrea, for me, was the worst last night.  In fact, I didn’t like her last week either.  (performed Blood, Sweat, & Tears -  60’s week)  Say buh-bye Alexandrea.

Tonight is results night, America has voted off two guys and two girls.  Parliament would like to see these four go: 

Luke Menard

Jason Yeager

Alexandrea Lushington

Amanda Overmeyer 

But let’s see how American saw it. 

Here is Parliament’s Top 10 

1. Carly Smithson
2. Michael “LEE” Johns
3. David Cook
4. Syesha Mercado
5. Ramiele Malubay
6. David Archuleta
7. Asia’h Epperson
8. Brooke White
9. Kady Malloy
10. Danny Noriega

 Enjoy the show, tune in for more Parliament Predictions next week for Idol 

Parliament out!

Chikezie seemed to bounce back from his Top 24 week disappointment.  Chikezie’s choice to cover Donny Hathaway, which certainly made him more contemporary.  I thought Chikezie did well. 

Danny Noriega wasn’t terrible, much like I thought last week.  Though, his lack of testoserone, annoys me, vocally, Noriega actually is decent.  Jason Castro came out with his acoustic again, and gave a similar style performance, as last week.  I thought Castro was one of the best last week.  This week, he was just predictable, and kind of a cliche.  Castro seems to be one-dimensional, and he’ll have to bring some variety, or he’ll be home sooner than later. 

David Hernandez is pretty damn soulful.  He was very karaoke the last time we saw him.  But tonight, he showed his vocal range.  Kind of in the Elliott Yamin mold in style, soulful with long runs, I thought Hernandez did enough to stick around another week, I would just watch the theatrics, cuz it was borderline Broadway-ish. 

   Image of Elliott Yamin

For the second week in a row, I thought Robbie Carrico faired pretty well.  Though much like the Idol judges said, he doesn’t appear believable, even still, his vocals aren’t bad.  Then again, Carrico sounds like alot of bands you hear on the radio, so he could easily be swallowed in the “Whine Rock” genre.  (Daughtry, Nickelback, Creed – shout out to my boy Rainman)

   Image of Nickelback

Parliament’s personal favorite, and projected winner, Michael Lee Johns, was pretty good again.  Nothing special, certainly not a challenging vocal.  But I love this guy.  He reminds me of the late INXS front man, Michael Hutchence.  And I am a huge fan of Hutchence.  So obviously, I’ll be partial to Johns’ style.

  Image of Michael Hutchence

David Cook again rocked the crowd.  Cook is obviously the most talented of the bunch.  He commands the stage, and appears to be the most confident and poised of all the contestants, including the girls.  I’d be shocked if we didn’t see Cook go as far as the Final 5.  He’s that good!

  Click here to listen to performance

Okay okay … I have been bashing David Archuleta since Day One.  And for the record, I still don’t love the kid, like everyone else in the world.  But with PIE ON MY FACE, I have to say, that Archuleta was certainly the best tonight.  Archuleta’s cover of John Lennon’s classic “Imagine” was great.  I think Archuleta needs to keep his tone at the higher octave, it keeps his pitch on, and his voice doesn’t sound so pre-pubescent.  Archuleta stole the show tonight.  He’ll appears to be the front runner, for now.

     Click here to view performance

Stay tuned for the Top 10 Girls Preview …

Courtesy of Parliament    

Last week it was the 60′s theme.  This week the Season 7 American Idol contestants will throw on the polyester, and rock out to the 70′s. 

Though I don’t know what songs each contestant will chose, I can tell you what to expect.  Expect to here covers of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and/or the Commodores.  Timeless classics, which are safe enough to perform, when only given 5 days to prepare. 

The guys will have to do better than last week.  The judges certainly made it clear that the girls faired better during 60′s week.  Look for the nerves to go away slightly.  And the cream to rise to the top.

In my opinion, there is a huge gap, from top to bottom.  Start with the bottom.  David Hernandez and Luke Menard appear to be the most vulnerable this week.  Though neither is flat out terrible, neither bring any flare or originality to their performances.  Chikezie Eze and Jason Yeager need to really focus on song choice.  Last week, their song choices were not good.  Every performance from here on out, needs to be heart felt, and true.  If you don’t feel the song, and give a believable performance, you’re hanging yourself.  The mid-pack for me, is David Archuleta, Robbie Carrico, and Danny Noriega.  All three show great stage presence.  Obviously comfortable on stage.  But they all have a significant flaw.  Archuleta’s voice is severely under developed. (almost pre-pubescent)  Carrico has the Bucky Covington disease, in which he tends to goes through periods of mumbling lyrics.  Noriega is just flat out too feminine.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to be politically incorrect here, but honestly, this is suppose to be ‘guys night’ to perform.  That leaves the cream of the crop.  Michael Lee Johns is far and away, the front runner.  He is the total package.  I’d be shocked if Johns didn’t make at the very least, the Final 2.  David Cook is awfully impressive as well.  He might have some problems with the diversity of themes, like his comparison of Chris Daughtry, but Cook is so polished and confident, he should be in the Final 5.  And Jason Castro.  I liked his performance last week, and feel he is talented.  My main concern is that Castro is such a throw back, that when he is pressed upon to be perform contemporary music, he’ll look out of sorts.  Even still, Castro looks confident, and could find himself making it as far as the final 8.

So what two guys will get the boot this week?  For what its worth, I’ll put my money on Luke Menard and Chikezie Eze being sent home.  Then again, I haven’t seen the performances yet, so what do I know?

Enjoy the show, check back tomorrow for a Guys Recap and Girls Preview.

Parliament out!

Courtesy of Parliament    

They’re right.

#1 Memphis Tigers went into yesterday’s matchup with #2 Tennessee, 26-0.  This matchup versus the second ranked team in the nation, was most likely Memphis’ last true test until the NCAA Tournament in Mid-March.  Sure you might think in theory that telling your players -young kids, about their mistakes in the game, and what areas they need to improve on, over and over in team meetings and practices would work.  But when you are undefeated, unblemished, especially to young kids, you get a false sense of complacency. 

Calipari will use this opportune time to get his players hungry again.  You tend to get lazy at the top, or not work as hard.  The Tigers probably know alittle bit about that, since earlier in the season, Calipari insisted his undefeated team stay for two days of practice during the Holidays, instead of going home to families.  The free throw shooting will certainly be a topic of interest.  Maybe the Tigers won’t ever shoot 75% as a team, but I think Calipari would be happy will at least 50%, I mean come on.

Sure it would be nice to get into post season with an undefeated team, that could go on, run the table and win it all.  But the ultimate goal is to WIN the championship.  Getting a loss in late February could be just what the doctor ordered for this Memphis team.  Looking back at the Pats, hey maybe a late season loss would have done them some service in the Super Bowl.  Who knows?  All I know is that Memphis is my pick to win it all.  And I for one am glad to see the Tigers get a loss under their belt. 

The Tigers loss to Tennessee won’t hurt theirtournament seeding.  Memphis is a #1 seed, no doubt, and is still probably going to be the #1 seed overall. 

And MEMPHIS is still the team to beat.

Duke is young, athletic, sharp shooting, but deathly small.  I love their defense intensity, and like that up to 6 different guys can lead the team in scoring on any given night.  What I don’t like is the severe lack of inside presence.  Zoubek?  Thomas?  come on.  Duke is good enough to get to the Elite Eight, if all goes right.  Thats their ceiling.  Coach K has done a great job this season, one of his best as a coach.  But the talent just isn’t there this season.

For the record, my Final 4 right now is UCLA, Memphis, UNC, Mississippi State (sleeper)

I thought yesterday’s loss by Memphis was critical, the Tigers needed some modesty.  Calipari will use this game as a learning tool, and drive this team to the title.

Memphis wins it all over UCLA in the finals.

Courtesy of Parliament    

Obviously, “King James” is a dedicated player.  He has driven himself to be all he can be on and off the court, and at such a young age.  More than just the desire to succeed in the NBA, and even to win a Championship, Lebron aspires to be the ‘ultimate’ icon.  Not so different than his pal, Jay-Z.

Watchful eyes, especially in Cavaliers’ circles, witness a collaboration between the two media moguls, Jay-Z and Lebron, during All-Star weekend.  The two co-hosted a VIP dinner.  This star studded event was deemed the “Two Kings” dinner in New Orleans, aiming the promotion of merging mediums of music and basketball.  Beyond this event, James and Jay-Z have been very close over the past couple years.  The two have been seen together often.  As Jay-Z’s empire continues to blossom – Award-winning Musician, President of a Record Label, Liquor Distribution, Clothing line, Hotel Enterpriser, and Co-Owner of the New Jersey Nets … Lebron has made his mark on the courts in Ohio. 

Lebron is an ambitious individual.  The days of being “like Mike” may certainly have been Lebron’s early dreams, but as he has grown, his desire to be “bigger than Mike” has evolutionized.  Once, Lebron stated he wanted to become the first ‘billionaire’ athlete.  Do you think James thinks this can be acheived in the media market of Cleveland?

Friendship is one thing.  Stars hang out with stars.  They’ll rub elbows from time to time, but this is slightly different.  Lebron sees Jay-Z as a marketing mentor.  There is certainly a bond beyond acquaintances here.  I mean, Kid James from Akron, attended the Yankees-Cleveland baseball playoffs series, dawning a Yankees cap.  NIKE has a Lebron/Yankees shoe Ad Campaign set to be release next month.  James has made no secrets about his love for New York.

We’ve seen the ‘two kings’ in New York, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Vegas together.  So is it inevitable the two will rendez-vous again in Brooklyn?  If you ask me, Lebron will have a big decision to make, but it might not be that difficult for James.  In the Brooklyn-NY market, there’s ‘no limits’ … wait sorry, that’s ‘Master P’ isn’t it?  The Nets could be in Brooklyn as soon as the 2011-2012 season, I for one, expect Lebron James to be in a Nets uniform by then.

Courtesy of Parliament    

Many NFL scouts are just waiting to catch ‘lightning in a bottle’.  Well, guess what?  The storm hit today in Indy. 

McFadden blazed their his 40 yard dash combine in a time of 4.33 seconds.  As the NFL scouts drooled, new Super Agent, Mike Conley, Jr. just smiled as he ate his lunch.  Marred with controversy from off the field incidents, some experts thought McFadden’s draft fortunes might be in jeopardy, due to his character issues.  After his combine dash, I think as long as Darren can sign his name, he’ll be okay.

So just because he runs fast, he’ll go #1?  Not willing to say that.  But McFadden has done more than run fast in the combines, he is an accomplished RB in college.  McFadden played against top competition, in a powerhouse SEC.  He has shown ability to bounce back quickly from injury.  He has the prototypical body.  And the Adrian Peterson factor doesn’t hurt.  All the teams that passed on Peterson last season, don’t want that to happen again.  If he doesn’t go #1, McFadden won’t fall far.

Will Parcells and the Dolphins draft McFadden?  Not likely.  Not an impossibility either though.  Sure the Dolphins have Ronnie Brown coming back from a major knee injury, and Ricky Williams coming back from, I like to say a cloud of smoke.  But rumors are still flying that Marion Barber will be in a Dolphins uniform next season as well. 

So what does that mean?  That means, we should expect Parcells to open the bidding for the Dolphins #1 pick.  Parcells knows the Dolphins needs are many.  And if the Dolphins can come out of the draft with a couple more high rounds picks, they’ll pull off a deal.  And there are many suitors for that selection.  Atlanta and Oakland, sit at the #3 and #4 picks respectively, and would love to solidify their backfield.  Atlanta would probably like to solidify anything at this point.  The Dolphins are sitting in a great position, and the Tuna will certainly dangle the bait around.

Will McFadden be the next Adrian Peterson?  McFadden sure looks like a game-changing player.  And these kinds of players are hard to come by.  We already know, that McFadden can re-produce (expecting father of two – 1 in July and 1 in August), I guess we’ll find out soon enough if Darren can produce at the NFL level.