David Conlee’s World

The following are Jenny’s unedited notes from which she told her story to Junior High and High School iLife this week.

My Secret Pain by Jenny Conlee

I had a secret for a long time. I didn’t tell a soul. I had a physical deformity. When I went through those “changes” that everyone tells you is going to happen, my breasts did not develop properly. This isn’t just a case of asymmetry. I was misshapen, severely disfigured.  There was nothing normal about how I looked.  I was about 15 years old when I realized that I didn’t look the way you’re supposed to look and that my condition was not improving. I hoped that things would get better, but really, they just seemed to get worse.
 
Not even my family knew.  I bet you’re wondering, how could I have something seriously wrong with me and my family not even notice?  Well, first off let me explain about my family. We take modestly to a WHOLE NEW level. We don’t like naked people and we don’t like being naked. We don’t undress in front of each other, never have and never will. So, it’s not like they would have noticed! I never gave the opportunity TO notice!  Secondly, I hid my deformity VERY well. I found clothing to help disguise it. I wore layers. I found creative ways to hide it.
 
Maybe for some of you, none of this sounds like a big deal, but I lived in shame. I lived in the agony of isolation & self-pity. I lived in the knowledge that I would never be attractive to man, or that someone could ever love and accept me. Without love, I could forget about marriage, which for me also meant never having children. Who on earth could possibly want me?  I was not normal. I would always be alone. I had NO hope. Pain in my heart drove out hope. Fear in addition to pain made a home in my heart. I lived in fear of someone finding out, especially one of my peers. I trusted no one. I was crushed by the weight of the secret. I had no confidence. I hid behind sarcasm, and knew how to put on a good face.  As the baby of my family, I often found myself in performance mode. I lived to make them laugh. I was laughing on the outside, but dying on the inside. Alone.
 
When I was about 18 years old, on the cusp of graduating high school, I worked up the courage to see a doctor. Even still, I didn’t tell my mother or father. I made up some mysterious ailment so that she’d take me to get an examination. Even after my doctor visit where my doctor referred me to a cosmetic surgeon, my mother still didn’t understand what was going on. She didn’t really ask. She trusted me. I was a good kid. I told mom and dad everything, except this.  I had a couple of humiliating doctor’s visits. As I said before, I don’t take my clothes off. I hate naked people and I hate being naked. One doctor was kind but not covered by our insurance so she referred me to another doctor. The other doctor said to me during an examination “Do you date?”, which led me to weep uncontrollably as that statement just confirmed my worst fear: that no one could ever love me.  For that reason and the fact he wanted to perform 3 surgeries on me over a 6 month period to correct my issue, I never saw that doctor again. The day I left that doctor’s office, I contemplated suicide. I thought there was no way I could live like this. I would never be able to have the life I wanted, or the kind of life I thought God wanted to give me. Death would be my way out.  I came dangerously close to going through with taking my own life.  
 
I went back to the first cosmetic surgeon who was very kind, and only wanted to do one procedure. As part of the surgery, she had to take photographs. I, again, cried the entire time. It was so humiliating. I felt bad because my doctor was incredibly kind and understanding. She asked me, “can I show these pictures to your mother?”. I gave her permission. Up until then, my mother still didn’t understand what was really happening. The doctor called her in after our visit, showed my mother the photos, and she threw her arms around me and wept with me. From that moment on, things were easier. Someone knew the truth I had hidden for so long.  I didn’t have to tell her!  I of course didn’t want to talk about it. It was enough for me that she knew the truth, I just didn’t want to discuss it with her or anyone. Now that someone knew, the secret had no more power over me.

I graduated that June. Surgery was scheduled for September. Something happened that summer. You see, there was this boy named David I was friends with. Actually, I was friends with his sister and just hung out with him by default, but we became good friends. There was a group of us from church who hung out all the time. Since it was summer, we were all out late. We had a blast. Our little group did all kinds of things together. We were on the worship band in youth group. We did ministry together during the summer at a skate park. We decided to plan a trip to Disneyland, and it was on that trip that I fell in love with David Conlee. We had our first kiss accidentally on Splash Mountain. It was on the airplane ride home from that trip where I believe God told us both that we were supposed to be together.
 
I got home from that trip and back to reality. I CANNOT have feelings for David or ANYONE!  Wasn’t I meant to be alone?  I prayed and asked God to show me what to do. In case you are ever in doubt about what to do with any difficult scenario in your life, do this:  write down all your options on a piece of paper then choose the HARDEST option!  It seems to me that the hardest thing is often what is the right thing.
So, after much prayer, I had a clear direction from God.  I called David and we met at a park that was the half-way point between our homes. We sat on a park bench where I wept. I was barely able to squeak out the words that I was not normal, and couldn’t promise as to if I’d ever be normal. I told him about my upcoming surgery. He told me he didn’t care what I looked like and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He took me back to Disneyland a year later where he proposed to me with a bull horn on Main Street right before a parade in front of hundreds of people. David and I have been married almost 10 yrs now. I have experienced more joy than I ever thought was possible.
 
I’ve shared this with you so that you would know that you don’t have to be in pain any more. Sure, you don’t have the same scars as me. Some of you have been through some really difficult times and have dealt with the pain of abandonment, abuse & shame. Maybe a few of you are thinking right now “I’ve never been through anything that terrible” and to you I would say be thankful, pray for others and get ready because life is hard, and pain in one form or another is almost certain. Again, I’d like to refer to John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I would like to share with you a verse that I discovered during this time in my life and it has become my life verse which is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

You see, no matter where you are in life you need to know this: God loves you. He has a plan for your life. You have a hope and a future in Him. Your identity is in Him, not your pain. For me, pain shaped a lot of who I became until I gave it over to Jesus. Once I saw deformity as a curse, now I see it as something God trusted me with. He’s calling out to each of us today, He’s holding out his hand and in that is a promise for something more. More than you could ever imagine is waiting for you. He’s wants to take away your pain.
 
This is no longer my secret pain. 

This Tuesday and Wednesday night in our Junior High and High School iLife programs, Jenny continued our series entitled, “My Secret.”  We started off with some games centered around the idea of pain, and then played a video of some Post Secret postcards depicting people’s secret pain.  

After that, we allowed students to anonymously share their secret pain by texting to the screens in the room.  I explained how to do that, then opened it up for texts throughout the night.  After Jenny was done speaking, we had a time of prayer and then brought the screen back up and displayed the secret pain in the room.  It was a powerful few minutes as students saw everyone else’s secrets alongside their own.  Several students were in tears and God was beginning to heal wounds.

Above is our text screen with the most recent secrets posted to it.  Below is a complete list (as of the morning after) of all the secrets that came in this week.  As I sit at my desk this morning and read each of these, I can’t help but cry for each hurting student.

I hurt for our students who have been carrying this weight with them.  It reminds me why I do what I do.  It also reminds me that only Jesus can heal wounds this deep and how desperate I need to be for him to move in my life and in the life of our students.

Jenny’s reminder from John 16:33 carries a lot of weight for me right now: ”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Also Jeremiah 29:11 gives me so much hope: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

As you read this list from our students, would you take a moment and pray for them.  Additionally, if there are teenagers in your life, pray for them today.  There’s so much going on beyond the surface with them and they need parents, friends, adults, teachers, coaches, and everyone else, to invest in them.

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Despite the fact that I have not posted an update to this blog in 3 months, I am in fact, still alive. I’ve been in a very busy season of life and have been unable to keep up the blog lately.

But all that is going to change. I’ll be back to the blogosphere soon.

And just as a proof of life, here’s a picture…

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It seems Michael Phelps is that rare athlete that causes everyone to stop what they’re doing and watch. Like Tiger in this year’s US Open, or Michael Jordan with the flu hitting that shot at the buzzer, Phelps is providing instant classic sports memories for a generation. When Phelps gets in the pool, a victory seems inevitable, and he embodies the Olympic spirit of a nation. He races for history and glory, and for pride. This is what he was made to do.

Tonight I talked to our students about living our their faith using the gifts, time, and resources God has given them. I wonder if God stops what He’s doing (figuratively speaking of course) and watches us when we are operating in our giftings for his glory. I have to imagine He swells with pride in His creation the way that Michael Phelps mom and sister, and all of America does every time he takes to the pool.

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Watching us womens Olympic beach volleyball tonight while waiting for phelps to swim.

I love playing volleyball especially beach volleyball. It always reminds me of my childhood friend and college roommate Scotty Wood. Woody, wherever you are I’m throwing up props to you!

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I love the olympics. I find myself watching as much as I can. I’m even watching stuff I don’t care about like rowing and badminton.

But this afternoon I find myself watching USA basketball and loving it. They are killing the Chinese and it’s fun to watch!

The guys are face to face on the stage, dressed in white. More cheese.

Of course, this show is going to be super drawn out. 2 hours can’t possibly be enough time to reveal the winner can it? How many useless performances with terrible choreography can they fit into the show?

97.5 million votes for the finale. 23 million more than previous votes. One David got 56% of the vote the other got 44%.

Did Coca-Cola sponsor Randy’s jacket tonight?

Reports from the contestant’s home towns. Useless filler.

Top 12 with stars of So You Think You Can Dance. They may be able to dance, but you’d never know based on the choreography. It’s nice to see some of them back on the stage. I forgot about Ramiel. I didn’t miss her at all. Oh yeah, and David Hernandez, I didn’t remember him at all. Overall, not the worst group performance.

The David’s perform together, that theme from Spiderman. Nice harmonies, and David C gives the song it’s nice rock edge that would be sorely lacking if David A took the lead. The pressure must be off for David C because he seems looser tonight.

Ad for Mike Meyers new movie “Love Guru.” This show is all about product placement, advertising, and commercial success. That’s why David A will win tonight. He’s the obvious choice if you want to sell a lot of records without having to take a chance. But the bits with Mike Meyers were actually funny, especially the Sitar Hero reference. How cool is it to get to do a spot like that with a legend like Mike Meyers. Oh, but the bit keeps going. More filler.

Ryan almost drove a pillow off the stage.

Syesha Mercado performance: “Waiting For You” with Seal.

Boy I like her. She looks good, and she holds her own on a stage with someone the caliber of Seal. She’s having fun and she’s on stage with a great artist. Even the losers win on this show. I hope she lands somewhere. She definitely looks like a pro up there with Seal.

Jason Castro performance: “Hallelujah”

I think this was Jason’s best song. I really liked his version of this song. It’s not that it he did much different with it, it’s just that it suit his voice and style so well. But Jason didn’t belong in the top 5 at all, his dreadlocks and eyes got him that far. He’s shaking like (wait for it)… a leaf. He’s way out of his league, but there’s something likable about him.

Ford commercial: “Let the Good Times Roll” with excerpts from the other Ford commercials. The bull fighting costumes were too much for me, I didn’t need to see that again!

The two finalists get a Ford Escape Hybrid. That’s cool.

The 6 female finalists perform Donna Summer songs with predictably cheesy choreography. Brooke can not dance! At all. Amanda Overmeyer looks angry to be there, like she doesn’t want to participate, and when she started singing, I remembered why I couldn’t stand her. Carly should have been around longer. Ramiel was so boring. As much as I like Carly, I think Syesha may be the most memorable female of this season. Donna Summer’s song “Stamp Your Feet” might have been more relevant if she didn’t have to be assisted down the stairs like an old woman. Ryan Seacrest dancing might have been my favorite moment of the night so far. Syesha stays on the stage with Donna Summer, and she really does look like a star. She really stepped it up toward the end and I think it will pay off for her career long term.

Carly Smithson and Michael Johns: “The Letter” These two should not have gone home as soon as they did. These two have great voices and they’re having a lot of fun. i’d buy an album from either of these two. Carly can really sing! Michael Johns may have just been too old for the tweens that vote on this show. Carly and Michael have a little Olivia Newton John/John Travolta Grease thing going on. I like it. Carly could be another pop star in the vein of Kelly Clarkson. I like her.

Jimmy Kimmell’s back to highlight the season. He’s a funny guy. “I valet parked outside, how much should I tip Sanjaya?” “What would Ryan look like w/o hair, makeup, lee press on nails? (Picture of Chris Sligh)” “Simon, what would your parents, Rosemary and Satan Cowell say about your negative comments.” Funny guy, but really just a lot more filler.

Top 6 guys performance, a rock medley apparently. Now I know why I couldn’t remember David Hernandez. Oh yeah, Chikizie. I liked that guy. He tried to do some things different. The David’s are introduced like their gods or something. The sound guys on this show need to be fired. They keep missing cues. I like how the whole rock vibe turned into a rock-ballad the moment David A takes the stage. The marketing machine is already at work! Bryan Adams joins them on stage. They let Canadians on American Idol? Bryan Adams looks like a less sickly version of Michael Stipe from REM, but with hair.

I wonder if the producers put out a call for B list artists to perform?

Jordin Sparks video from Disney World promoting the American Idol Experience. Short on details, but I have a feeling next time we go to Florida Jenny will be living the experience.

“Sharp Dressed Man” by David Cook w/ZZ Top. How crazy would it be to be playing guitar and performing with legends like ZZ Top? This guy’s living the dream! I wonder how he feels playing the same note for 32 measures while ZZ Top guy solos. I suppose the song only has 3 notes in it anyway though.

David Cook’s music teacher in Kansas City.

Nash and Brooke White: “Teach your Children” - Boring. I wonder if Brooke remembers the lyrics? Put some shoes on Brooke! This is her style though, and it suits her. Someone would buy her album I’m sure. She really does look like a pre-school teacher during sing along time. Perhaps she’s just channeling that crazy teacher from Billy Madison though?

The Jonas Brothers (JoBo) performance.

Recap of the worst of Season 7 video.

Reynaldo Lapuz performs “I Am Your Brother.” USC marching band joins him on stage. This is a slightly funny bit that goes on way too long.

“Apologize” By One Republic, joined by David A. If they can put together an interesting arrangement and do a couple of good duets on David A’s album, it might be salvageable. This duet was better than most of David A’s stuff. It at least sounded different.

Video from South Lake City w/David A’s grandfathers.

Jordin Sparks performance: “One Step At A Time.” I’ve accused her of looking like a linebacker, but she actually looks cute tonight.

A rare discovery of audition footage for the “Pips” starring jack Black, Ben Stiller, and Robert Downey Jr. Pretty awesome! I love it. Robert Downey is playing the straight man for Jack Black and Ben Stiller, and he’s probably my favorite! I expect the other two to be awesome funny, but Robert Downey continues his comeback with this performance!

Top Female Vocalist of the Year: Carrie Underwood performs “Last Name”. She looks like a million bucks and sounds great. She’s all countried up looking like a modern day Barbara Mandrell, but way hotter! After Kelly Clarkson, she’s a very close second when it comes to my favorite American Idols. Of course, I also can’t stand Reuben, Fantasia, or Taylor Hicks, so I guess I’m not saying much there.

Risky Business-esque bit with David A playing Guitar Hero. Pretty classic. I wonder how much he got paid for that. Pretty quick to be getting endorsements already isn’t it? I suppose we now know who the winner is!

Top 12 George Michael medley performance: “Faith”. Ramiel and Amanda just don’t sing well. They shouldn’t have made it this far. And the sound guys on this show are terrible! The guys sing “Father Figure.” I don’t think it’s coincidence that David Hernandez, the former stripper got the line with the word naked in it. “Freedom” with everyone. Syesha can sing! I love her! But you knew that already. George Michael joins them on stage and the performance dies. What a weird way to end a fun medley. George Michael’s such a diva.

Alright, finally, the results:

Davids are on stage, judges give their thoughts, envelope on stage, Ryan opens the envelope, and the winner is…

DAVID COOK!! OMG!!! YES!!!

and with that my DVR cut off!

I guess that’s it.

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Rocky theme song to start the show, with the “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” guy announcing.  Man, this show knows no limits to it’s cheesyness.  Oh, wait, it gets better, the David’s are in boxing robes and gloves.  This is SO bad!  Worst. Opening. Ever.

The top 12 contestants are all seated in the front.  Amanda Overmeyer looks bored.  I hate her!

Contestants are singing 3 songs each.  Songs in the first round are chosen by Clive Davis.  The 2nd round is chosen by the top 10 new songs from the song writing competition as voted by fans online, and the 3rd round is chosen by the contestants.

Jim Lampley opens up another boxing metaphor video.  Lame!  It’s like a bad church video, oh wait, we’ve done that one too, it was called “The Champion.”  Corny!

Both contestants were never in the bottom 3.  That’s interesting.  They are both talented.  But I really think David C. is closer to being a true artist, while David A. is a good singer, but a one trick pony.

Asked how it feels to be on the stage, David C. plays to the crowd, and David A. plays the “Aw, shucks” card again, while David C. continues to show some personality.

Words of advice from the judges were predictably cliched and useless.  Let’s get on with the show!

David Cook - “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”

Look: B Performance: B+ Singing: B

Great song choice.  I can’t wait to hear him do it.  David starts the song in a mellow way, and puts a few of his own takes on the phrasing of the song.  I like that he doesn’t sound like he’s impersonating Bono.  The second verse kicks it up a notch into more of a rock song.  He actually looks pretty loose like he’s having fun.  The performance was good, not great, and the vocal was tastefully done, but not fantastic.  I’d like to see him really take it up a notch tonight.  It was a safe opening and hopefully he can build on it.

David Archuleta - “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me”

Look: B Performance: C+ Singing: A-

One of my absolute favorite songs.  If only Elton John could come in like on the George Michael duet version!  OPEN YOUR EYES DAVID!  This kid just doesn’t have good stage presence.  He can’t perform.  He has one setting, the ballad.  He’s got the fake emotion and hand gestures to go with sad, slow songs.  That said, his vocal was good, he did his own thing pretty well.

Paula Abdul: “The sun is never going to go down on you, David.”  Can I shoot her now please?  Hyperbole much Paula?

This kid looks like he’s going to cry already.  He’s not able to handle the fame and spotlight.  He’s already breaking down.  This is an E! True Hollywood Story waiting to happen.

Round #1 Winner: David Archuleta

David Cook = 4; David Archuleta = 6 (out of 10 points available for the round)

Round #2

David Cook - “Dream Big”

Look: B Performance: C Singing: B+

David’s playing the guitar, and I’m not sure that’s a good sign.  The song was stereotypically cheesy, but he rocked it up a bit and made it a little more interesting.  Ultimately the vocal sounded like a throwback to an 80’s hair band.  I’m 3/4 of the way through the song and he hasn’t done anything to impress me.  The guitar really keeps him from performing because he’s so stationary.  The last note was great, even if it was a little flat at the end.  He did really well but it never stood out as anything super special.

David Archuleta - “In This Moment”

Look: B Performance: C+ Singing: A-

Wait!  David chose a ballad?  Really?!  Shocker.  I’m bored already.  These lyrics are terrible.  This song is going to get him a better review than David A, because it’s got those sweeping, emotional melodies, and big notes, but this is still more of the same from this guy.  I’m just so bored with him.  But it was a brilliant choice to play into the voting.

I can’t believe the pressure on this kid.  He looks like he’s going to cry the whole time.  I wonder if Daddy will beat him if he doesn’t win?

Round #2: David Archuleta

David A= 6.5; David C. = 3.5

Round #3

David Cook - “The World I Know”

Look: B+ Performance: B Singing: B+

What a great song, and a great choice for him.  I expect him to really do well on this one.  I’d love to see what he does with this song to make it sound fresh again.  He’s playing acoustic guitar.  That’s better than electric on this song.  I like that he went super soft with the verse, but he’s going to have to pick it up if he wants the audience to connect with him.  He looks a little bored himself, that’s not good.  He definitely has put his own take on the song and I like it, but it needed to get big, and it never quite did.  He never had a moment tonight where he really hit it out of the park.

I appreciate his emotion after the song, because it really expresses where he’s at singing in front of a huge crowd and living the dream.  I’ve grown to like this guy, but I don’t think he has a chance to win tonight.

If people were judging based on artistic integrity, variety, and the entire season, he should win.  But based on tonight’s performances alone, he’s not going to beat David A.  I really do appreciate that he did something new for his song though.

David Archuleta - “Imagine”

Look: B Performance: C+ Singing: A-

David A chose “Imagine” which is a really lame choice.  My complaint all along with this guy has been that he doesn’t show us anything different week to week, and just to drive the point home, he goes back to an old standby.  It’s probably great strategy though because it connects the audience with one of the high points of David A’s contest so far, and reminds them of why they like him.

Another sad song, more closed or squinty eyes, more exaggerated hand motions.  This is a song this guy has probably sung in 100 competitions, and it feels tired.  David A is going to win, and that just shows the lack of artistic merit to this show.  I’m not sure it’s possible for a true artist to make it through this competition.  But I suppose this show is designed to grind out a cookie cutter pop star.

Round #3: David Cook

David A= 4.5; David C. = 5.5

Tonight’s show was all about David A’s daddy’s strategy and production, versus David C’s average but true to self performances.  David A is going to win on the back of staying consistent with his sad ballad performances and good vocals.  David C will lose tomorrow because he took more chances, tried some different things and broke the mold.

If there’s one word that describes the finale it would be: Boring.

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David’s Verdict?:

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- 45 million votes

- Group Performance: “Cracklin Rose”

Jason Castro is terrible in tonight’s group performance.  He should go home tonight.  David Archuleta wasn’t much better on this song.  Choreography is terrible as usual.  Syesha looks fantastic!  Brooke sounded terrible.  This song was terribly choreographed, sung, and composed.  It couldn’t end fast enough!

- Constantine is in the audience.  There’s another contestant that lasted way longer than he should have!

- Last night’s show re-cap

- Jason Castro: SAFE - How did that happen?  He should be in the bottom 2 for sure.  I suppose it’s the honky-braids!

- David Archuleta: I’m sick of this kid’s “gee-gosh” smile.  I’m just so tired of him in general. SAFE.

- So You Think You Can Dance Preview

- Coke Cup Promo

- David Cook: SAFE

- Syesha & Brooke on stage - Syesha’s got to be toast!

- Natasha Bedingfield Performance: “Take Me Away”: BO-RING

- Call-ins: I hate this segment

- Ford Commercial: Okay, but not as good as the last one.

- Neil Diamond Peformance: “Pretty Amazing Grace”: Lame song, horrible backup choreography

- Syesha & Brooke back out on stage: Quit crying Brooke!  Oh, you’re going home, okay, keep crying. Syesha is SAFE. Dang!  She Brooke did the ugly cry!  I thought for sure Jason Castro was going home.  But of the bottom 2 this was the right choice.  And on her final performance, she still can’t remember the lyrics!

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Who is picking these themes? Are they like 100 or something? It’s like retirement home material lately. How can anyone seem young and relevant singing this stuff?

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Amanda Overmyer - DONE

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Chikizie - DONE

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Ramiel Malubay- DONE

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Michael Johns - DONE

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Kristy Lee Cook - DONE

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Carly Smithson - DONE

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Jason Castro - “Forever In Blue Jeans”

Look: B Performance: B Singing: A-

This is a great song choice! In fact, Jenny called it before the show started. Jenny said “Jason Castro is going to sing ‘Forever In Blue Jeans.” But this song will always remind me of the Will Ferrell Gap commercial! I liked that Jason played the guitar because it plays into his schtick as a granola green Jack Johnson dude. The vocal wasn’t great but doesn’t have to be for this guy, he’s got style. And he’s a white guy with dreadlocks, Americans are fascinated by this kind of thing.

David Cook - “I’m Alive”

Look: B- Performance: B+ Singing: B

This should be a great week for David Cook. This is his wheelhouse, and David didn’t disappoint. He rocked it. At times he sounded like he was trying to be raspy like Diamond, and I didn’t care for that. It always seems like the contestant is trying too hard to be a “rocker” when they go gravelly in their singing or try to sound a lot like the original artist. But David Cook has been working the rock angle since the beginning, and ultimately, it feels authentic, and tonight it worked.

Brooke White - “I’m A Believer”

Look: C Performance: C- Singing: C

Brooke White should not have played the guitar, it kept her immobile and disconnected her from what should have been a fun song to perform. Instead, she looked like a preschool teacher leading song-time, rather than a pop-star. It didn’t work for me.

David Archuleta - “Sweet Caroline”

Look: B Performance: C Singing: B

How can David Archuleta take a fun song like “Sweet Caroline” and turn even it into a ballad? I don’t think this guy knows how to have fun with a song. That’s what happens when an 80-year-old is trapped in a 17-year-old body! Or perhaps it’s the result of a stage-mom, or stage-dad pushing too hard for this kid to grow up, the Jon Benet Ramsey effect.

Syesha Mercado - “Hello Again”

Look: A Performance: A Singing: B+

Syesha looks great! Her hair is beautiful and I liked her sitting on the steps all vulnerable-like. She really sang that song as a big diva type song and pulled it off. I liked it a lot, and really think she keeps bouncing back. She’s getting better every week, at just the right time.

Jason Castro - “September Morn”

Performance: C Singing: C+

More of the same from Jason Castro, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. We saw the same Castro style but it didn’t move me at all. Ultimately, Jason looked bored.

David Cook - “All I Really Need”

Performance: B Singing: A

This song was much better than the last for David Cook. He sounded more like himself. David belted out notes, and went falsetto. He rocked, and he sang the ballad. He stretched the song and made it a rock/pop song that could be a hit on radio today. Great job.

Brooke White - “I Am I Said”

Performance: B Singing: B

Brooke makes me a little crazy. Lyrics on the hand? Is it really that hard? But she is at her best when she’s behind the piano. The vocal was good if a little boring, but in the end, she didn’t add anything to the song. I guess at this point I should just be pleased that she remembered the lyrics!

David Archuleta - “America”

Performance: C Singing: B

Another patriotic song choice. David Archuleta doesn’t need the boost he’ll get from middle America for singing a patriotic song, but he’ll get it. This guy only has one style though. He’s a balladeer. This song could’ve been more fun or a little more rocked out, but we get more of the same. If you love him, you’ll love this. I would just like to see more range. I can’t imagine listening to a whole album of this.

Syesha Mercado - “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime”

Performance: B+ Singing: B+

Syesha’s great but why is she barefooted? She looks like she’s having fun. Syesha connected with the song and showed a lot of personality. I liked it.

Top 2 Performances:

1. David Cook
2. Syesha Mercad

Bottom 3 Performances:

1. Jason Castro
2. David Archuleta
3. Brooke White

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