American Idol Top 12 Male Singers Recap: Some Have Just Got It…like Jason Castro, My Next American Idol
Finally! The best talent yet! The live show! The platform to launch someone into super stardom! I’ve been waiting for this night and there are definitely some guys I have my eye on.
Of course all eyes were on Ryan Seacrest to start the show and the very nervous line up of guys. After introducing the judges Randy shared he saw more originality in the guys and he wanted them to keep it real. Paula told them to pick the right song and have a blast. Simon wanted to “motivate” them to show their personality, have originality and obviously they had to sing well. Ryan pointed out that the judges did an excellent job finding the talent this year and I couldn’t agree more!
Next they recapped all 12 guys making it to Hollywood week and then getting that coveted Top 24 spot all to the tune of NONE OTHER than Blake Lewis’ first song “Break Anotha”. Tonight was 60’s theme night. Did they do themes last year? It sure didn’t seem like they did. It seemed like they could pick whatever! Always something new on Idol!
First up was David Hernandez, another Idol from Glendale Arizona. Wasn’t that where Jordin Sparks was from? David was raised by a single mom and has used singing as a way to escape from the hard times in life. He shared about how the decision wasn’t unanimous for him to be in the Top 12 and he was challenged by Simon telling him to work a heck of a lot harder. He looked great, he had great stage presence and he sounded great. What a great way to start the show. He didn’t exude a ton of energy but I liked David. You had to give him props for going first. That last note was a little off but hey, for his first time in front of millions of critics he wasn’t so bad.
The judges had pretty good reviews. Randy thought he proved it in the front of the song and that the competition was on! Paula felt for him going first and thought he had brilliant vocals. Simon said it was better than he thought it was going to be. He told him to loosen up because he was so stiff and nervous. All in all, good reviews for David. How tough going first though. Man, I would want to barf if I was him. Oh, and he has a GREAT smile!
Next up was Chikezie Ezie who didn’t make it past Hollywood week last year. So, he went home, worked hard and they saw the difference between last year and this year. Oh Chikezie. What were you wearing? I know it was 60’s theme week but I was not digging the suit. He did however connect very nicely with the camera and was more confident toward the end. I’m sure nerves would play a huge part for all of the guys on their first night. Randy thought it was pretty good but old fashioned and needed an injection of new. Paula thought he did a very nice job, that he had come a long way and she liked him. I think Simon didn’t like him. Actually Simon hated the whole performance. The suit was hideous, the wink was hideous, the “woo” was hideous, and he was old fashioned, corny, and cheesy. Dang, Simon! I do agree with Simon but certainly wouldn’t have had the guts to say it like he did. I think Chikezie is going home.
After the polyester left the stage it was then time for David Cook. I love David!! He had a great rock vibe through auditions. He was also a very easy going guy. David sang “So Happy Together” and truly made it his own. He rocked the mic stand (which some people hate but it doesn’t bother me) and was original. Rock on David Cook, rock on! Randy thought it was a little weird at first but then he totally worked it out. Paula loved it and he made something original. Simon thought it was good but he shouted a little bit in the middle. Simon strangely liked it. Good news all around from the judges. David is not going anywhere!
With David’s rockin’ version fresh in my head the happy Jason Yeager was up next. He was mostly doing this for his son so he knew that you could achieve your dreams. So Jason sat on a stool first and sang “Moon River”. How did he go from kind of a rock starish guy in auditions to a happy Harry Connick Jr.? That is trippy. I’m not sure I connected with him but he did have a very nice voice. It was just surreal, almost like I was watching an old movie. So Randy thought he did a pretty good job but a little pitchy like he lost his concentration. Simon thought he came over much older on the song and it was very cruise ship which Jason admitted that even the vocal coaches had said that! Yikes Jason! That could send you home!! You are too honest!
Next up was Robbie Carrico. I love all the hats and bandana’s he sports. He talked about touring with a boys and girls group back in the day and touring with Britney Spears. When he got back he wanted to do rock. I love him!! He sang the song “One” and did fabulous. He’s a rock star! He was exciting, extremely likeable and the chicks are going to totally dig him.
Randy thought it was a nice version. He “moved” Randy. Paula thought it was the perfect song pick and he was authentic. He looked fantastic and the vocals weren’t over the top but rather right in the pocket. Simon thought it was the only performance so far that had really made sense, that he was current. Simon was struggling a little bit with authenticity though. Was Robbie really a rock star or a pop singer? Robbie was like all the way rock. Simon has yet to be totally convinced though. I could see where Simon was coming from but if Robbie really is rock then he will prove it soon enough.
So with praise fresh on the judges lips the delightful David Archuleta took the stage. Can he get any more darling!?? He looked great, he picked an upbeat song and he worked it! I thought it might have been a tiny bit low for him but overall he really had the best performance of the night so far. Great stage presence! He did AWESOME!!!! Plus, the crowd loved him! Randy thought he sang it so mature for 17 and he loved it. Paula thought it was brave and bold and they had never seen that side of him. Simon said that when you’ve got it you’ve got it and it was by a comfortable mile the best performance of the night. What I love about David was he was so shy in person and then transformed as a performer. Hello, America is in love with David! He totally said the right things too as he was interviewed. He is for sure the cutest. Ryan was like you can only vote for him, not adopt him. Ryan!!! You so crack me up!
Then it was time for another one of the “young” guys to take the stage. Danny Noriega had made it to Hollywood last year but got cut on the first day. Last year he wasn’t himself and he wasn’t ready. This year he made it thought and for his first performance he picked ELVIS!! So as he shimmied to “Jailhouse Rock” I totally enjoyed him. He looked awesome and he brought a different vibe. I loved it! Now, did Simon? I don’t know, but I did. Randy loved that he knew how to have a “Danny” good time. The vocals were okay, but the song choice didn’t allow him to do his thing. So, it was only kinda hot. Paula thought he had one of the most amazing vocals of the group but he chose a safer song that just allowed him to be a performer. Simon thought it was a performance verging on grotesque. Paula was crying practically after that so they had a big tangle and drama, drama, drama. But, Danny had the last word when he sassily looked at Simon and said that “some people weren’t liking it”. He’ll be just fine. We’ll all vote him through to show his colorful vocals next week! Danny is my new BFF!
With that the colorful and sassy Danny was done for the night leaving Luke Menard to take the stage. He had auditioned in Season 6 and didn’t even make it to Hollywood! He certainly was an even keel guy without much energy to him. Would I like him? Well, he was a little boring during his song, okay, incredibly boring but he did have a good voice. Oh Luke, you just lack oomph. It’s okay to be quiet and shy off camera but you’ve got to have a spark in your performance. Randy thought the song was pitchy and never settled for Randy. Paula didn’t think it was the best song choice for him. She knew his range was amazing and he had a Kenny Loggins feel about him. Simon said it was forgettable and that Luke fell into the worst trap ever. That no one was going to remember him. In the competition you have to stand out, you have to put your stamp on it. Oh Luke, you are so going home!
Then there was Colton Berry with a theater background and an urge to sing the “Teletubbies” theme song in his head when he was stressed. He picked an Elvis song too and I thought he sounded good, had great stage presence and really connected. I liked Colton!!! He got Paula to her feet anyway. Man did he have tight pants on though! Paint those babies on! Randy thought he did a pretty good job on it and had a good time. Paula liked seeing a different side of him, he had fun. She didn’t think it was his best performance but he gave it an eager and fun twist. Simon thought it was okay but his problem was that Colton was a young kid who might have a career but no relevance to the competition. They were looking for a recording artist. Simon didn’t think he represented himself well enough for the night. He wanted unique, special, and current. Simon then said they all needed to work more on their vocals and less on their hair. I wondered if he was remembering Sanjaya…
Speaking of hair the next to go was Garrett Haley. Do I like him or not? I’m not sure. I’ve never really seen much of him except his serious hair that I want to cut. Well, he’s only 17 years old and he made it this far. He was in San Diego on vacation with his family and decided to just go and try out for American Idol. I loved that about him! Confidence was an issue for him in Hollywood but they loved that he was always such a positive guy. He chose a slow song to sing and he really did have a great voice but the song kind of dragged. If he makes it awhile I could see him being a teen heart throb of sorts. I’m sure he was shaking in his boots!! I thought he opened up toward the end though. Definitely a unique voice for this young man. Randy pointed out he didn’t do anything with it and that it was kind of boring. Paula encouraged him to not be afraid to mix it up. Simon thought it was boring, his voice sounded whiney, he looked terrified, haunted, and pale like he had been shut up in his bedroom for a month. I thought he looked gaunt too but it may just be all that hair on his small frame. As for haunted and pale I think he was just extremely nervous. He’ll do better next week. Simon told him to get some fresh air and make himself young and relevant. Well, no matter that they dogged on him, he’ll make it through.
Okay, so my favorite part of the night. Jason Castro!! I loved him! He had only sung in public like five times before Hollywood week. How endearing is that?! He’s a drummer and plays guitar and he’s extremely laid back. He also has a kickin’ voice. He shared that he always hung out in the back so this first time on stage was the biggest performance of his life. Jason chose to play his guitar and sing. Okay, I am totally in love with Jason Castro! He is totally my favorite. He is unique, he has a recording voice, he is groovy and he is humble. He is my NEXT AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!!!! The camera loved him. He was just so relaxed and at ease and had great stage presence. What a perfect song choice. You rock Jason!!!!!! Randy liked the guitar vibe, thought it was a little pitchy but it was alright. It didn’t blow him away. What? What are you saying Randy!!! What are you saying to my next American Idol!! Randy got it wrong. Paula was blown away. That’s right girl! He nailed it. She loved that he was a performer. Simon thought it was in the top 2 performances of the night because he, like David, has just got it. Simon thought it was terrific. I’m so on the Jason Castro band wagon. Jason shared that it was scary up there and he was kind of in shock. That totally appeals even more. America wants to find that undiscovered raw talent and Jason has it!!!
Finally Michael Johns took the stage, the very good looking and extremely talented Australian. He wanted to be judged on his voice and passion (not the novely of being Australian but that certainly doesn’t hurt him!). He picked a great song by The Doors, “Light My Fire”. Michael had another perfect song choice. I do love Michael Johns too! He has some serious talent. He made it his own too. Hot, hot, hot! Randy loved that he threw all caution to the wind. Paula said it was a great ending to the show. Simon told him that he was the most consistent contestant out of all of them. Simon loved every audition so far of his. He just has it. That would be three of them now that just have it. Michael Johns, Davie Archuleta, and Jason Castro! Plus Simon said he is a total lead singer. I could see Michael fronting a band like Chris Daugherty. He will definitely have a career after this!
So, tonight here are my list of favorites and quite possibly the Top 6 guys to make it all the way through.
1. Jason Castro
2. Michael Johns
3. David Archuleta
4. David Cook
5. Robbie Carrico
6. Danny Noriega
Then there was David Hernandez, Colton Berry, Garrett Haley, Jason Yeager, Luke Menard, and Chikezie Ezi. Sorry guys, I think you will be going home over the next 3 weeks. First to go will be Luke Menard and Chikezie Ezi though or quite possibly Jason Yeager.
With that Ryan totally DISSED SIMON by not thanking him but thanked everyone else in the world. Next up the Top 12 girls perform. Will any of them win me over more than Jason Castro? I think not.
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
