Neil Diamond night, eh? Ok, he’s not one of my favorite performers but I have liked a lot of his songs through the years and our Idols did a decent job overall with the ones they chose. Tonight’s format was a little different and I did like the fact that the judges had to wait until after the second performance before they could comment. I did keep down on the insane commentary but it left poor Paula a tad confused.
It doesn’t take much, does it?
BTW, I hear she wants to be a contestant on the next season of Dancing with the Stars. That would be interesting. Maybe Clay Aiken could be one as well and then THAT would make for interesting TV – a former Idol and a judge battling it out for a mirror ball trophy. Interesting…
Anyway, let’s get right to that view from my comfy red leather couch for this week, OK?
Jason Castro
Forever in Blue Jeans
Is it me or does this boy have no stage presence whatsoever? It’s not that he’s just phoning in the performances but that there is just no “ummph” to them. Don’t get me wrong – he has a pleasant enough voice and the little tweeny girls love him to pieces but that alone does not an Idol make. On the positive side I will say that his lower register is in fine form and he should use it more often instead of just staying in his breathy head voice. It would give him more vocal colors to choose from rather than singing one dimensionally like he has been the past month or so.
September Morn
Does he even know the tune to this song? Or was he overly pitchy in spots? I just couldn’t tell. He is just waaay too laid back for me but it’s also beginning to look like he really doesn’t care to be there. Or maybe he knows he doesn’t have to try so hard because his fan base will keep him there no matter what. Personally, I believe his 15 minutes are up big time but I may not get my wish due to tweens with cell phones who are texting their fingers off. If there IS a God…
David Cook
I’m Alive
Gutsy choice! I haven’t heard this one in a long while and he did great! He really tried to take the path less traveled when it comes to choosing music and it pays off for him each and every week. It sounded like even Neil was impressed with both his choices and his interpretations – it’s good to get the mentor on your side early!
All I Really Need is You
He seems to have captured the spirit of Neil’s songs even though he puts his own spin on them – THAT’S the mark of a great musician! He is really making me a believer! Should be safe yet again and firmly on his way to the finale.
Brooke White
I’m a Believer
Ok, Mr. Cranky Brit – it was NOT a nightmare. Far from it. BUT, because she chose to hide behind her guitar, it wasn’t as good as it could have been. The song’s limited vocal range did nothing for her vocally and for the first time she may have been trying too hard to be perky. I think she is tiring of all the phoniness on the show and it’s starting to show in both her performances and in her response to whatever negatives Simon throws her way.
I Am…I Said
She did much better on this song and, it should be noted, she didn’t drop a lyric in either on this week. I thought the song’s tempo was a little faster than I like it but that could have been the producers’ doing and not hers. She should be in the bottom two this week and might be listening to Ruben’s song by the end of Wednesday’s show if Jason’s fans have anything to say about it.
David Archuleta
Sweet Caroline
He had to stay away from the ballads this week and attempt the up-tempos and he chose two of the biggest ones in the songbook in which to do just that. He sounded really good on this one and probably won every Red Sox fan’s vote in the process (the song is played during the eight inning of every home game – “whoa, whoa, whoa!”). This was the strongest vocal he’s had in the last few weeks so it looks like he’s gearing up for the finals.
America
Shades of Kristy Lee Cook! I was hoping this would have been the group number because I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear one of the contestants take it on. He did well but it kinda boarded on cheesy for me. It wouldn’t have matter who sang the song it would have had the same effect on me. He’s so safe he might have to end up in the bottom two just to shake up the fans.
Syesha Mercado
Hello Again
This gal has turned things around and for the last few weeks has really come on strong – she is in it to win it, even though I think her best finish will be third. Hey – it worked for Kim Locke! She showed her sweet, controlled vocals on this song and without too much gymnastics, conveyed the empty hopefulness of this song quite well. I really liked it.
Thank the Lord for the Night Time
It was a great way to end the night and go out on a high note. She took on an early hit and made the audience stand up and take notice. But please, don’t keep harping on the “Broadway” bandwagon with her because that could hurt rather than help her. She should be safe but then it really could go either way with her, depending on her fan base, or lack thereof.
With all that said and done, my choices to occupy those uncomfortable chairs for this week are:
Jason Castro
Brooke White
with “das boot” going to Brooke White even though it SHOULD go to you-know-who. With my gal Carly gone my allegiance has switched to Cookie but I’d watch out for Syesha who is the real dark horse of this season.
Carry on!
J
I absolutely agree with your bottom two, your guess on who is going home, and also who SHOULD be gong home. In fact, I agree with every word your wrote tonight!
You know….. they should allow guest judges who are real people, and you should be up there!
NB
Hey J… once again I’m going to share what I said last night. Looks like I’ve finally caught on to the behind-the-scenes politics and fangames.
Truth told, I agreed with Simon on his assessment of the first round – while some did better than others, not a one of them truly impressed me… and they NEEDED to step up their game. That said, I’ll do some additional commentary on the individuals.
Jason Castro — “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “September Morn”
The last several weeks he has been a vocal train wreck and totally uncertain about himself. This week was better, but that’s not saying much. He should be in the bottom two if not the one sent home, but I almost guarantee his fan base won’t stand for it.
David Cook — “I’m Alive” and “All I Really Need Is You”
Can’t say I was overly impressed tonight, but he’s still been one of the best performers this competition and his fan base will see he remains safe. As he should be. Already tired of the judges groveling and pimping, it doesn’t encourage the performers to stretch and grow.
Brooke White — “I Am… I Said” and “I’m a Believer”
Personally I thought she had a lot of fun in the first one and liked it. I also liked the second one a lot, and notice she didn’t have a problem with her ‘worry lyric’ at all. She doesn’t deserve to be in the bottom this week, but probably will be.
David Archuleta — “Sweet Caroline” and “America”
The kid didn’t impress me all that much this week. I did like the fact that he had fun with the songs, and the choice of “America” was totally appropriate for the theme of the show. Truth told, I thought Brooke outperformed him tonight. He’ll remain safe just the same.
Syesha Mercado — “Thank the Lord for the Night Time” and “Hello Again”
It is Syesha who I believe was the absolute all-over best tonight… but I’m forced to side with Simon that she is likely in jeopardy tonight. Several of the others have stronger, larger fan bases that will see them through their off week. She doesn’t deserve to be in the bottom this week either, and likewise probably will be.
Final rank as they actually performed: Syesha, Brooke, David C, David A, with Jason going home
Final rank as it will almost uncertainly shake down: David C, David A, Jason, Brooke, with Syesha going home. Unless Simon’s remark gained her the sympathy vote, then it will be poor Brooke getting the axe.