What The Judges Think

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The American Idol judges and emcee Ryan Seacrest were on Larry King Live last night to promote “Idol Gives Back,” the star-studded telethon-like episode that raises money for charity. Last year “Idol Gives Back” raised $76 million dollars and they’re hoping to top that this year. The money is distributed equally among charities in the United States and Africa. This year’s “Idol Gives Back” edition was taped on Saturday and will air tomorrow night.  You can expect to see Fergie, Miley Cyrus, John Legend, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, and Robin Williams on the special tomorrow night.

Larry King asked everyone about their thoughts on the top 8 singers. 

David Cook:

RANDY JACKSON: He is definitely one of my favorites. I think he’s got a shot at winning the whole thing, this kid.

PAULA ABDUL: He’s amazing.

SIMON COWELL: This is the guy I would actually choose to listen to on a personal level.

RYAN SEACREAST: Well, he certainly sounds like [the favorite] based on what the judges said but I think he also has sort of broken down the walls of this competition. He is not just a traditional pop artist. I like him.

Carly Smithson:

SIMON COWELL: I tell you the problem I have with Carly is I don’t think she knows who she is. I don’t think she — I don’t think you can listen to a Carly song and go, that’s who she is.  She’s a good singer but I think every artist has to know who she is.

RANDY JACKSON: He’s right.  He’s right, 100 percent right.

PAULA ABDUL: That’s her Achilles. She has an amazing voice.

Michael Johns:

RANDY JACKSON: He’s a really talented guy. My problem with him is up until recently he’s been picking the wrong songs. He’s kind of like this bluesy, soulful — blue-eyed soul kind of singer but he always picks stuff that doesn’t allow him to do his thing.

SIMON COWELL: I like this guy. Sometimes he’s a little like he’s auditioning for a spot as a lead singer of a rock band.

Brooke White:

PAULA ABDUL: She puts her heart and soul into every song. America really connects with her. She’s got a very unique thing.

SIMON COWELL: I like her. She doesn’t have a governor. In other words she gets on stage and she says what’s on her mind without thinking about it, without being too much of a politician.

RANDY JACKSON: I just think that with her it’s about really picking the right songs. I mean, people have been comparing her to like the new Carly Simon folk movement.

David Archuleta:

RANDY JACKSON: I think David is really, really talented. He’s also one of the ones to beat.

RYAN SEACREST: I think he was right up here at the top of the crop and it’s hard to maintain that each and every week. That’s his challenge I think.

PAULA ABDUL: He’s been doing this for a long time. You know, when we were on the road I kept referring to him as the 16-year-old savant. He really has that presence. He knows who he is.

SIMON COWELL: He’s the one to beat, Larry. He really is.

Kristy Lee Cook:

SIMON COWELL: The odds of her winning are one million to one.

RANDY JACKSON: Yes, I don’t think she’ll win but I think she definitely could have a recording contract somewhere down the road. She’d definitely make a good country girl.

Jason Castro:

RANDY JACKSON: He’s one of those guys that’s a singer/songwriter in the bar and you hear him and go oh, it’s a nice song.

SIMON COWELL: I think this guy is all about song choice.  The trouble is he turns up every week and he looks like he doesn’t care.

PAULA ABDUL: I think his whole demeanor is like the laid back type.

Syesha Mercado:

RANDY JACKSON: With her I feel more like I’m looking at an actress singer as opposed to just a singer.

SIMON COWELL: Yes, you’re right.

PAULA ABDUL: I think she has a pretty, beautiful voice.

Transcripts courtsey of cnn.com