American Idol 4: Final Showdown

May 24, 2005

Published on May 24, 2005 By Jamie Burnside In Entertainment

From the auditions, through the Hollywood Round, to the Twelve Finalists, and finally the last two: Bo and Carrie. Bo and Carrie sang three songs each (the choice of which was somehow undefined this year.)

My favorite part of tonight's show were the cameos in the audience. The best cameos of the evening were Camile Velasco from last season (cute), and Anwar's new hairstyle (looks like Eagle Eye Cherry.)

All in all, tonight's finals show was the weakest of the last three seasons which I had followed. (The best finals episode was the one with Ruben and Clay.)

The Performances:

A) Bo Bice:

"The Long Long Road" This song was a mellow beginning for tonight's show. It wasn't all that exciting, but not awful. The judges didn't really go for it.
"Vehicle" was revisited for the second time. It was better than the first time he sang this song, a fun effort by Bo. In my opinion, this one was the most listenable song of the night.d
"XXX" (sorry, didn't catch the title...) This one started off mellow, and then picked up a bit at the end. This song was too pop-ish for Bo. Not the kind of music he should be singing.

In summary: Not exactly the best night for Bo. He wasn't fantastic, but he was far from terrible either. I am sure that Bo-heads will vote for him regardless.

A) Carrie Underwood:

"Inside Your Heaven" This performance was very American Idolesque. I liked this one more than I usually like Carrie's songs. She stood there and sang it capably.
"Independence Day" I think that this song will go over well with Carrie's fans. Personally I don't really "get" country, but as far as I can tell it was a good country song.
"XXX" (sorry, didn't catch the title again...) This one was about equal to Carrie's second effort.

In summary: A reasonably good night for Carrie. I think that she "won the night" among people who wanted to make up their minds following tonight's performances. That said, I think that Bo may still eke out an AI victory.

Comments

KellyW0498

on May 24, 2005

This was definitely not the most exciting final, but I'm voting for Bo. I liked him all year. Tomorrow will tell.

Dusk411

on May 24, 2005

I agree with you about Bo Rice and "Inside Your Heaven." It didn't fit him. I was thinking "where's rocker Bo? Shouldn't there be some guitars?"

I really liked the song Carrie Underwood sang ("Angels Brought Me Here.") She reminded me of Kelly Clarkson when she sang "A Moment Like This" the first year. I think she could cross over if she won. Although I don't think she'll win, I'm rooting for Carrie.

Just a general note: So AI doesn't have people perform the same two songs anymore? Plus, I think it's cool that people are choosing singers with different styles now. Now, if AI could find ways to market them.

trina_p

on May 24, 2005

Carrie Underwood sang Angels Brought me Here?!?!? as in the song made "famous" by Australian Idol Guy Sebastian??
okay that's SO weird

I'm confused - Jamie you said Carrie sang Inside you heaven but dusk said it was Bo?!?!? -- this episode won't be shown on my screen until friday

did they really sing angels brought me here??! so weird

Ravenblack

on May 25, 2005

>> Carrie Underwood sang Angels Brought me Here?!?!? as in the song made "famous" by Australian Idol Guy Sebastian??
okay that's SO weird

Yeah the same song. I think she was too rough on that song. I might be bias, I still prefer Guy's version of it.

Jamie Burnside

on May 25, 2005

I'm confused - Jamie you said Carrie sang Inside you heaven but dusk said it was Bo?!?!? -- this episode won't be shown on my screen until friday

That's what is confusing me a bit too. I know that Carrie sang that song, I am wondering whether Bo's unidentified song (unidentified by me) was the same song that Carrie sang.

foreverserenity

on May 25, 2005

That's what is confusing me a bit too. I know that Carrie sang that song, I am wondering whether Bo's unidentified song (unidentified by me) was the same song that Carrie sang.

Yes I believed they sang the same song. Each with their own spin on it. I'm still a "Bo-head"! I really hope he wins. I tried voting but couldn't get through all night!

He's the better entertainer and with more charisma. I know they will both of records or album or whatever they call it now! But I do want to see him as the AI for this season. GoBoGoBo!

Jamie, thanks for being our reviewer at JU. You were great the entire season! Looking forward to the next one!

Jen

on May 25, 2005

Here's the thing. They both had to sing the single that the winner is going to release "Inside Your Heaven" (Bo sang it for his 3rd song, Carrie sang it for her 1st song) then they also had a "B-side" song for them as well, just like with all the other seasons.

Bo's bside was "The Long Long Road", the first song he sang, and Carrie's bside was "Angels Brought Me Here" 3rd song.

Also like seasons before they also sing their favorite song from the season Bo's was "Vehicle" (imo should of sung "Remedyl") and Carrie's was "Independence Day" (imo should of sung "Alone")

AndyT

on May 25, 2005

This year's single 'Inside You Heaven' isn't that good. Maybe it's because Carrie sounded nervous (hence missing some notes?) and a poor song choice for Bo. Can't they write songs to fit the person?

By right, Bo Bice should win this competition but I think he will be worse off - for himself and his fans. If his first album is anything like 'Inside Your Heaven', I think he will be in trouble. Because of this Carrie should win the competition and let Bo have have the freedom to do his own thing. At least then, both will have been better for it. Granted the first album is never that good to begin with, but I think Carrie can pull it off better than Bo (vocally and she crosses over better). Good luck to both anyhow.

I like to echo some of the others, and thank Jamie for his reviews.

It has been a joy to read like last year.

InBloom

on May 25, 2005

I think they were pretty much "tied" last night. When one excelled at a certain song, the other didn't, and vice versa...I liked Bo's last two songs, and I liked Carrie's First and Third performances.

Looking at the WHOLE season, though, Bo definitely outshines Carrie. His vocals are more soulful, his presence is stronger onstage, and I think he will do well in the mainstream (which is one of the traits they look for on "idol"). I voted Thrice for him...(not that it will help, but...lol)

I have nothing against Carrie...she's talented in her own right, but I really do hope Bo wins.

InBloom

on May 25, 2005

BTW, I am planning on watching "Baby, one more Time" on NBC. It's a show that gives once popular singers and bands another chance at stardom. Some of the participants include Flock of Seagulls, Vanilla Ice, Tiffany, Loverboy, among others...I think I even heard that Boyz II Men might come out...

Sounds corny, but I'm gonna give it a shot and see if it turns out to be any good.

Jamie Burnside

on May 25, 2005

"Baby, one more Time" on NBC.

Sounds cool! Maybe I'll have to review that show. Is it a summertime show, or is it on the fall schedule?

just john

on May 25, 2005

By right, Bo Bice should win this competition but I think he will be worse off - for himself and his fans

It really doesn't matter if he wins or not. They will record him either way. AI and BMG own both of them. Read the contract you sign to audition for AI and imagine what the final group has to sign.

As far as my take on the show last night, Bo was more on his game than Carrie. She was nervous and it showed. Her next to last note cracked on "Angels brought me here". She had a tear in her eye that she wiped away and I am sure it wasn't over the meaning of the song. Don't get me wrong she sang well, but Bo sang better. He doesn't seem to be affected by the pitch problems that seem to plague most of the contestants on the show. He appears to be a well seasoned performer and that sells records (CDs whatever).

Bo certainly deserves to win this year and I am sure that as with all of the other Idol recordings they will fit him in his genre well. I think out of recent years he has more potential than most. I am a fan of all that is Kelly Clarkson. I love her vocals (I have a voice fetish). Bo has that something that will make him famous. It's not about being perfect; it's about being believable. He was.

Thanks for keeping me informed when I couldn't watch.

Dynosoar

on May 25, 2005

Ditto on the gratitude for the reviews!!

Bo will be the winner, and he and Carrie will more than likely be the most successful Idols yet....

Be it by accident or design, the final two singers this year reach out to totally different markets ( just how many "Pop" singers can they churn out profitably ?)and the Rock and Country niches will support these two artist wholeheartedly...and don't be surprised if Bo crosses over to Country ( hey, even Kid Rock did it with some success, and Big and Rich have blurred the line as well )

Til next season.......

AndyT

on May 26, 2005

It really doesn't matter if he (Bo) wins or not. They will record him either way. AI and BMG own both of them. Read the contract you sign to audition for AI and imagine what the final group has to sign.

Exactly. Bo doesn't need to win, infact he will be worse off because of the album he has to produce. If Carrie wins, everybody wins.

BTW, I'm a Kelly Clarkson fan so I had high hopes for Carrie. Unfortunately she breaks under pressure and looks uncomfortable on stage. I still vote for her though.

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