American Idol Top 12 Recap: The Cream Rises to the Top and What’s Left Behind Will Be Thrown Out with the Dregs
With my friend praying to not have her baby until after Idol tonight and just the utter excitement that after all these weeks we are FINALLY to the Top 12 and FINALLY to the big stage I could hardly wait for the competition to begin.
To start things off totally new for the season they changed the computer animated introduction for the show. I noticed it ended with major focus on the last winner Jordin Sparks and the biggest and best selling artists Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Then there was a HOT new SET. Dang. You’ve come a long way American Idol. It really was bigger and better than ever. If you ask me it was all just plain insane! The band had their own “penthouse” and what seemed to be a larger audience to cheer on the contestants. They also had a mosh pit in front of the judges and what was this? Simon was wearing angelic white with his manly chest showing through? It really was “new beginnings” for Idol.
Then there was a big and fabulous introduction for the group that you could feel right through the television set. The excitement and energry must have been amazing in that room! What a big night for the contestants. The special theme for the night was the Lennon/McCartney songbook. That would be a tall order for the kids and would most certainly make for a great night of entertainment.
First up on the big stage was Syesha Mercado. Their video introductions just gave a little more information about them. She was a student at FIU in Florida and was a working actress. Her mom was a singer too and they showed some family pictures. She sang “Got to Get You Into My Life”. I loved the big band behind her and I loved that they were now on the big stage. It really felt like the competition had finally begun. Syesha did okay. I didn’t think she took it out of its 1966 era. She didn’t make it current. No doubt the girl can sing it just wasn’t very exciting! I give her “props” as Randy would say for going first on the big night. Randy thought it was a nice arrangement but thought it started rough but she got into it later. He told her she had to loosen up a little, it was alright. Paula told her she was a very good singer but it started off pitch and then midway through she found her zone. Plus, she looked fantastic. Simon thought it was a great choice of song and better than alright. She also looked very, very nervous but was much better than she was last week.
Chikezie was up next and there were lots of cheers for Chikezie! We found out he used to work security for LAX. He was raised on Nigerian cultural music and he chose to sing “She’s a Woman” with his own personal “funk” added to it. That video showed me just how much more likeable he was becoming. From the very beginning I LOVED IT! He sat down at first with the fiddler and banjo players and really made it interesting. Plus, what a great versatile voice peppered with some falsetto? Chekizie! I didn’t know he had it in him! He definitely deserved to be in the Top 12 after that!! Rock on Chikezie!!! I loved it! Did he let loose or what? I’m lovin’ this new side of Chikezie!!! Whew!! Hot, hot, hot! He filled the whole stage. He was in it to win it! Randy said he was thoroughly entertained and who knew Chikezie had it in him? He loved the arrangement and said he smashed it! He so did Randy, he so did! Paula told him the “reward” paid off for him changing it up! Simon was really surprised that he agreed with Randy and Paula. What Simon loved about it was he actually changed within a week and took control unlike Syesha. The stage didn’t control him, it was certainly a unique version and he was terrific. So then Ryan and Chikezie worked the stage. I tell ya, Ryan was in rare form for Top 12 night.
Then it was Ramiele’s turn and did I feel bad for her following that HOT act from Chikezie. We found out she worked at a Sushi place. Hey, that was her Sushi outfit (she had it on in her video) she was wearing in her racy photo’s that surfaced on the net! She also comes from a musical family and they were originally from the Philippines but live in Florida now. She chose to sing “In My Life”. She dedicated it to her close friends who left the show, i.e. Danny Noriega. I love this song! She started at the bottom of the stairwell with her back to the audience but of course singing to America. Interesting. The accompaniment was beautiful. She had a nice voice of course but I just kept waiting for her to blow me away but she didn’t go there. It was sweet and boring and paled in comparison to Chikezie. Maybe she was still thinking about Danny Noriega getting the boot last week. Dare I say it was a “safe” song for her to sing?? Randy said it was kind of pretty but also pretty boring. She didn’t do anything special with it. Paula first told her she looked lovely (never a good sign) but it was pretty safe. She needed to take advantage of her voice. Paula told her she needs to not hold back. Simon said he was bored to tears and the song choice did absolutely nothing for her. He said she was better than that. Randy didn’t know if she did enough to stay in the competition. Oh, I agree with that but there were still nine more people who hadn’t sung yet so maybe she wouldn’t be the worst and the most boring!
Oh hooray!! Jason Castro was up next!!! My favorite… Oh, what were we going to learn about him and what song was he going to sing? He went to school at Texas A & M and really had respect for The Beatles and what they did for music. He chose to sing “If I Fell” calling it a beautiful song that he couldn’t wait to sing. He had his guitar back and what a smart choice to sing to the ladies Jason! You so know what you are doing and you know your audience. It was great, groovy, laid back and interesting just like him. Randy liked it but didn’t love it. It was one of his favorite songs but didn’t love the switches to the melody Jason did. Paula disagreed with Randy. She said what was so special and unique about him was that she did feel his heart and it was a special connection that made him truly unique. He didn’t do all the riffs and runs because he had an emotional connection with the song and America connected with that. Simon told him that it was all a little student in the bedroom at midnight. He thought the song was boring, but it was good enough but not great. Maybe next week Jason needs to pick something more upbeat to show Simon that his style is NOT boring!! I wasn’t bored at all!!
Next up was the lovely and talented Carly Smithson who looked totally hot! I loved her outfit and I loved her hair!!! She originally was from Ireland but presided in San Diego and loves it there. She bartends and waitresses. She chose to sing “Come Together”. Oh how she was owning that stage. She sounded great and man can she “blow” as Randy would say. I’ll tell you right now that some of these singers definitely stepped up their game and the great are easily being separated from the good! She mixed it up that was for sure and she did an amazing job. The best performance of the night so far. Excellent job Miss Carly. Randy asked her if it felt good and that got the audience screaming for her! Randy loved that she was strong, confident, that she looked amazing, had a stellar performance with not a note out of tune. Paula felt like she was already watching a star. Simon said week after week he thought she had chosen the wrong song until now. Simon said that it reminded him of exactly 6 years ago on the same night in the competition back then and that was with Kelly Clarkson. Song choice was so key and Carly had it going on!!! Now that was a compliment because there is no one like KELLY CLARKSON!!!!!!!!
After Carly was another favorite of mine David Cook. Was David ready to rock?? He grew up in a suburban town and he was a bartender in Tulsa where he played shows there from time to time. He picked to sing “Eleanor Rigby” with no guitar. I loved, loved his outfit! His jacket was totally hot. I liked that he didn’t play his guitar too. It showed that he doesn’t have to hide behind it but can be a front man without it. Well David, you picked the most perfect song and totally rocked it out. He is a true rocker and man did he nail it. Sweet David Cook! Randy told him that he could definitely rock out on Idol and man was he rockin’. Paula told him that he was a dark horse in the competition and she loved seeing him as a front man. Simon told David that he thought it was brilliant. Simon said that if the show stays a singing competition and not a popularity contest he could win the show. Wow!!!!! What a huge compliment.
Up next was Brooke White and I must add again that Ryan was in rare form on that big ol’ stage! He kept making me laugh with is crazy antics. She moved to L.A. a few years back to work on her music and was a nanny before American Idol and was so grateful to be on Idol. She chose to sing “Let it Be”. Brooke was at the piano which was very nice. I loved that she was just there singing all stripped down. Brooke continued to do her thing and be herself. She knew who she was and I love that about her. Man this will be a tough season to win! Randy didn’t know if it was her best performance but she was living her dream and he loved that she gave a very big heartfelt performance. Randy was totally a fan along with the rest of us here in America! Paula told her that her niche was picking songs where we could feel her heart. Simon said it was again one of the best performances of the night. It was a brilliant choice of song 3 weeks running now and it was believable. Wow. Can you love Brooke anymore with her expression of gratefulness and her tears and how genuine she was??? Then Ryan got her shoes for her and Randy and Simon razzed him forever about that… You know sometimes I feel bad for the contestants as Ryan and Simon go at it and they just have to stand there and watch.
After that heartfelt performance by Brooke it was now time for David Hernandez. He was from Arizona and used to work at a pizza bistro and was in college. He chose to sing “I Saw Her Standing There”. He started out in the audience and worked them so that was kind of good. I thought the arrangement of the song threw him back too far too, like almost from the 1950’s. David has a great voice but he seemed kind of “weak” vocally. Usually his voice is fuller or something. Maybe it was because Chikezie and David had already worked it out big time earlier. I don’t know but I didn’t love it liked I loved his performance of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”. Randy thought the song was overdone so Randy was lost. Paula told David that she loved his voice but he overdid it and needed to scale back some. It was too much for her. Simon said “no, no, no” and that is was corny verging on desperate. He said it was all a little bit rabbit (not deer) in the headlights. He didn’t think it was a particularly strong performance from David and I agreed.
Next up was Amanda Overmyer with her amazing striped pants and hair extensions. We found out again that she was from a small town and her whole family rode Harley’s (not really new information from these contestants but maybe some of America doesn’t watch until the Top 12 so they have to recap for them!). She sang “You Can’t Do That” and put her Amanda spin on it. Well, she rocked it out now didn’t she! Great job Amanda! She had such ease on the stage and she totally made it her own. Loved it! The crowd loved her too. Randy told her she took a Beatles song and brought it to a southern bar and rocked it out. He loved it! Paula told her she was smiling, having fun and was a star up there. Simon didn’t think it was as good as last week but she was a breath of fresh air when she came onto the stage. He made me laugh saying he couldn’t understand about 30% of what she sang and then Paula and him got into a cat fight. One thing I worry about Amanda though is what we’ve seen is all we are going to get. Can she sing a ballad? Can she be versatile? I think that maybe we have seen all that we are going to see from Amanda Overmyer.
Then it was time for Aussie born Michael Johns who had been in America ten years and now lived in L.A. for the past four years. He said he had done odd jobs like labor work and tennis coaching on the side to keep music in his life. He chose to sing “Across the Universe”. Michael sounded great as usual but I felt like he could take it to such another level. He has more in him. Of course he has a great voice but he has really got to pop. Some of the guys, like Chikezie and David Cook brought such energy to the stage and compared to them he came in last. Of course his voice sounded good but competition was stiff and good wasn’t going to cut it! Randy didn’t think it was his best performance and was waiting for something big to happen. It was a little sleepy to him. I totally agreed with Randy! Paula disagreed and said it took a certain inner strength to stand at the microphone and just sing. Paula thought it was brilliant. Simon agreed with Randy and told Michael that it was a little bit monotonous. Now was the point you had to let yourself go. Of course Simon is still a big, big fan but was a little frustrated that he hadn’t heard all Michael could do. Simon!!! You read my mind!!!
The last girl of the night was Kristy Lee Cook who came from a town of 500 people in Oregon. Her family was musical too and she chose to sing “8 Days a Week” and totally changed the song to a country song. I thought she sounded great. It was different, unique, and not forgettable at all. I totally pictured people line dancing to it. I think she totally did the right thing making it her own. One thing I didn’t love was the arrangement. It seemed a little frantic. Randy liked the arrangement and the idea of the song but thought she did too many runs (wow, I was opposite not liking the arrangement but I liked what she did with it). He was torn on it. Paula didn’t enjoy it and didn’t get it and man did she look irritated with Kristy. Simon thought it was horrendous. He thought she sounded like Dolly Parton on helium. What? Well, I didn’t agree with that. Simon thought it was very brave but basically bad. He didn’t like the arrangement of the song. Now I can agree with that but I must be from a different planet than the judges because I didn’t think it was horrendous and I certainly wasn’t irritated like Paula was. Then Simon and Ryan got into it and I thought Simon was going to kill Ryan with laser beams from his eyes. I feared for a knock down drag ‘em out fight after the break. We’ll see if they still love each other after results night.
Finally it was time for David Archuleta who lives outside of Salt Lake City. Again we were reminded that he was a junior in high school! He chose to sing “We Can Work it Out” and shared that he was a little stressed out about it. Uh oh. That was not a good sign when you aren’t “feeling” it. When David gets on stage he just seems so much older and more confident. I hope he doesn’t fold under the pressure on him!! He did a fine job minus a few lyrics! Not my favorite, but very good because he is very good. Randy thought it wasn’t on point and it wasn’t David’s vibe. He said it felt forced. Oh Randy that was how I felt but couldn’t express it! The Dawg helped me out! Paula said it wasn’t his best week but he was still a front runner. Simon said it was a mess, he stumbled over the lyrics, he shouldn’t have done the Stevie version, and it was his weakest performance so far. Well, that was all true but David will not be going home anytime soon if if tiny tweener finger dialing has anything to do with it!
What an amazing Top 12. For really the first time there really are SEVERAL people who could win it all. I have no doubt that David Cook, Carly Smithson, Jason Castro, Michael Johns, David Archuleta, Brooke White, or even Chikezie could take home the title after those Top 12 performances. The competition is by no means all sewed up with a clear frontrunner. It was very tough to rank them too because of that. It was easy to pick who didn’t come up to par and believe me the oil and water separated with these performances and they ain’t gonna mix again. I hate to even put Jason Castro at the number 4 spot because I love him so but I had to because David, Carly, and Chikezie totally raised their game and owned it! So here they are in standing order from the Top 12 performances. David took the top spot over Carly only because of stage presence and conviction. She had it too but he had it more.
1. David Cook
2. Carly Smithson
3. Chikezie
4. Jason Castro
5. Amanda Overmyer
6. Brooke White
7. Michael Johns
8. David Archuleta
9. Kristy Lee Cook
10. David Hernandez
11. Syesha Mercado
12. Ramiele Mulabay
Unfortunately for Syesha and Ramiele they right now are the weakest links. Syesha needs to sing like she did on her final song for Hollywood week. Ramiele needs to knock off the timidity and let her voice just go. David needs to do more “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” songs and Kristy Lee Cook needs to do country but not obnoxious. With that being said I’m afraid Syesha may have just sung her last tune on the American Idol big stage. Really she was better than Ramiele this time but I think Ramiele may have a bigger fan base at this point that will save her from the dreaded vote out. Unfortunately “Got to Get You Into My Life” is “Going to Get Her Off of the Show” during results night.
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
American Idol Top 8 Guys Recap: Totally Tubular Song Choices Were Like Amazing-O-Rama to the Max!
This was a crucial night of performances. There are only 6 spots left! Will this final week of guys battling guys seal the most deserving a spot in the Top 12! I don’t know but I can hardly stand that it is 80’s week. I want to put on my jelly shoes, leg warmers, 100 metal bracelets and line my eyes with electric blue eyeliner. Oh, and crimp my hair and wear it in a side ponytail! That won’t be too much, will it? Will David Hernandez beat down the internet buzz for another great performance? Will Chikezie be able to pull it together again like he did last week? Will Jason Castro grace the stage without his guitar? As Ryan introduced the judges Paula never fails to impress me with a new hair do. Did I mention that I love the 1980’s!!! They got right down to business since it was only an hour show and informed us that each contestant would be sharing there most embarrassing moment. Hopefully they don’t REALLY share their most embarrassing moment, but one more appropriate for the Idol stage. We don’t want too much information.
First up was Luke Menard. For his most embarrassing moment his sister dressed him up as a ballerina when he was little and of course had a picture taken. He picked a PERFECT song for his voice I must admit. Although I am not a Luke Menard fan, him singing “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham was genius of him. He actually sounded kind of like George Michael. I don’t know if he necessarily made the song his own. Plus, because I live in Texas I hardly heard a word he sang because a scrolling message about the democratic vote kept on interrupting and beeping through his performance. Is that a conspiracy?? Well, he kind of made it his own toward the end. He can really hit those high notes! Good job Luke Menard. Randy thought it was little rough, he kind of rushed it but he pulled it together toward the end. He thought it was a surprising song choice. What? I thought it was perfecto!! Paula loved his interpretation of the song. She liked it. Simon didn’t like it. He thought it was weak and a bit girly and he had no chance to make it through to the final 12. Whew. Tough words from Simon!
Then it was time for golden boy David Archuleta. His most embarrassing moment was… wow Ryan, way to point out he is thirsty and he has got to pee! What the heck? Note to other contestants, don’t share your deep dark secrets with Ryan!! He’ll announce them to 30 million people! So, his other most embarrassing moment was when he went to sing in Honduras for a fundraiser and couldn’t finish the song (his voice went out) so his mom had to jump up on stage and finish it. I personally think the comment about peeing was way more embarrassing. David chose to sing the Phil Collins song “Another Day in Paradise” and play the piano. Oh, I love that song!!!! He totally interpreted it for himself. He is a superstar dangit. Randy was thought it was like watching David at one of his concerts. He thought it was good, kind of an interesting song choice though. Randy, what are you smoking! I loved the song choice! Paula loved that there were a couple of off notes because it showed he was human. She thought he was perfect for the competition. She told him to pick songs he could really shine on. I thought he totally shone on that one! Simon told him it wasn’t as good as last week and he needed to lighten up a little bit. He was picking kind of dark songs and he wished he stayed at the piano blah, blah. Well, I didn’t agree with the judges at all. I guess I see where they were coming from regarding song choice, but as a viewer, I was only more amazed at David’s abilities. Simon did say he’d probably be in the Top 2. No pressure there!!!
After David’s very amazing rendition of the Phil Collins song it was now time for Danny Noriega. His embarrassing moment was when his friend tripped him down the stairs in a movie theater right in front of his crush. That would be awful! He sang “Tainted Love”. I love that song!!! At least the guys are picking great songs!!!! He is such a performer and he looked great. I thought he did great tonight. He sold it to me! The judges might say he didn’t show off his vocals which was true. Randy thought it was a little pitchy but he loved the arrangement. Randy thought he was shy and Simon was like “what”. Randy was talking vocally shy. Randy told him he could do it. Paula told him he was the bright light in the competition. He was sensitive and spicy and he had great vocals. Paula wanted to make sure his purple streaks would come out of his hair and Simon was like “who cares”! Simon thought it was useless, he hated the arrangement, he hated the performance, and he hated the vocal (I’m sure he hated the hair too). Randy and Paula had Danny’s back but I think Simon loves Danny about as much as he loved Sanjaya. However, Danny sings WAY better than Sanjaya and I doubt he’ll try to rock the faux-hawk.
Next up was our newly minted internet buzz stealer David Hernandez. I bet Carly was glad the attention was off of her! A bombed record deal was looking kind of tame compared to David’s recent information leak. His embarrassing moment was that he did a photo shoot with a booger hanging out and didn’t know it. Of course he had to do retakes! He chose to sing “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now “by Meatloaf. What a great voice this guy has and what a great song! It was a little pitchy but he sang it with conviction. I think America will still love David Hernandez even though he is tabloid fodder now! Randy thought it was a nice song choice. He thought it was really good but it got a little sharp on the big notes. Paula felt like he was getting into his groove and finding his niche and becoming a very good performer. She thought he had some of the best vocals and I agree. Simon didn’t think it was as good as last week but he had 100% secured a place in the finals next week with that song. David pointed out he had on Randy shoes so not only was he extremely talented but stylin’ too.
Then because of a technical difficulty with David Cook’s guitar, Michael Johns was up next. His most embarrassing moment was when he was dressed as a kangaroo mascot for a rugby match and some guys jumped him and he got beat up in front of 20,000 people. Oh yeah, he totally chose “The Breakfast Club” theme song “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds. What a smart song choice for him! All of us thirty something ladies sang our anthem from our childhood right along with him. Nice job Michael Johns…sweet key change too! Oh I had visions of Molly Ringwald giving Judd Nelson her diamond stud earring. Michael Johns, that was hot! Randy thought he reminded him of Michael Hutchins. Not sure if Randy was confused on the song or if he just wanted to point out he had that INXS feel. Paula loved that he was defining who he was. She loved hearing the strength in his low range. Simon liked it, thought he had huge talent but hadn’t quite connected with the right song and had his moment yet. Simon liked him better in the soul category rather than rock too. However, overall, Simon really, really liked him and thought he would do very well in the competition.
Thankfully David Cook’s guitar got all fixed so he was up next. Well, his embarrassing moment was singing in a talent competition as a little kid and forgetting the words to the second verse so he stood there like a statue. For his 80’s song he chose “Hello” by Lionel Richie. Oh I loved it! He totally rocked it and I could hear it on the radio TODAY. The judges had better like David Cook!!! I’m ready to download it from I-Tunes!! Hot, hot, hot!!! My favorite so far tonight!!! Oh, gotta rewind for my studying husband to watch now! I instant messaged him to come out of the den so he could enjoy David’s rendition. Randy loved that he had a great arrangement, and that it could be a single and a hit. Hey, that’s what I said! Paula knew she was in for a great surprise and talent. It was a Perfect choice and he will be a great shining star. Simon thought it was very brave and he loved it. Simon thought it was unpredictable, it worked, and he really, really hoped they would see him next week. Me too, me too!!!
Next up, scream, was, scream, Jason Castro. His most embarrassing moment was when he was out on a date and was tying his hair back and he pulled out a dread. Oh, that is sad for Jason. But, he still got another date so all was right in the world. He totally listened to the judges and sang without his guitar and I, scream, loved, scream, it. He sang “Hallelujah” and did great but seemed to have lost it at the end a tiny bit (although that could have been on purpose). I totally dug him; it was the best performance of the night. Randy thought it was a very difficult song and he did a pretty good job of it. Paula said he made it sound so effortless for how hard of a song it was and that he showed vulnerability. He was unique, definitely recognizable in his technique and his phrasing. Simon said that it was absolutely brilliant what he just did. It was arguably one of the best performances of the night. He was getting better and better and better and better. HOORAY FOR JASON!!!!!!!!!!!
Finally it was time for Chikezie. His most embarrassing moment was when he first started going to high school he kept using the same bathroom because it was so clean…well, it was the women’s bathroom. That was a great story! He chose to sing “All the Woman I need”. Isn’t that song “All the Man I Need”? I get so messed up when they do that! I think he did great vocally. Randy thought interesting song choice but he did a really good job. Paula thought it was a tough song choice but loved his vocals. Simon didn’t think it worked at all because it was a Whitney song (and I guess a Luther Vandross and a bunch of other people covered it song). He thought it was more cabaret and didn’t think it was a very smart move for Chikezie. I would have to agree during a night of stand out performances!
The guys were really, really hot! They put on a great show and I really enjoyed most of them and for the most part, their songs choices were great!
With that being said, Luke Menard should go home. Please FOX, tell me on Thursday night that Luke is going home!! Here is the standing order as I see it after the Top 8 performed.
1. Jason Castro
2. David Cook
3. David Archuleta
4. Michael Johns
5. David Hernandez
6. Danny Noriega
7. Chikezie Ezi
8. Luke Menard
It was really tough to pick who was the best tonight! I had to give the number one slot to my favorite Jason Castro. Not only is he my favorite but he is so unique and his performance was absolutely riveting. After that there were four very strong showings nipping at his heels. I really, really liked David Archuleta’s version of “Another Day in Paradise” and then David Cook ROCKED “Hello” and I envisioned it on the radio and so did Randy and Paula. Michel Johns did great on “Don’t You Forget About Me” and David Hernandez had his vocals shining through when he sang “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now”!! Danny was sassy but definitely toward the bottom vocally which we all know he can do better (come on Danny, you showed us during Hollywood week!), he just needs to be bold. Chikezie? Well, I know he can sing but I’ve never really connected. Finally there was Luke. Please, please America. Please send Luke Menard home.
In less than 24 hours the Top 8 girls will tackle the 80’s week and I just don’t know how they are going to topple the guys. Amanda Overmyer needs to sing “Call Me” by Blondie or some Pat Benatar song or even “Rebel Yell” from Billy Idol. Syesha needs to sing “Fame’. Kady Malloy should sing Madonna’s “True Blue” or “Material Girl” or “Walk Like an Egyptian” by “The Bangles”. Carly Smithson should do “True Colors” By Cyndi Lauper or “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics or “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick. Brooke White should tackle “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper OR she needs to do “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns-n-Roses. That would be amazing!!! Other than that, I hope they totally bring it for the best decade of all time and give the guys a run for their money, because so far they have not!! If the girls are anything like the guys were it will be a tough vote for America. On a side note I’ve been voting off and on for the past 2 hours and cannot get through for my favorites! They need to open more phone lines…
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
American Idol Top 10 Guys Recap: It’s Good to Be Named David
Hooray! It was another night of American Idol!! No matter how bad a day you might have had there was the strange comfort of knowing that you could curl up on the couch under a blanket with some popcorn and get all excited about your new “friends” performing! Nice tie Ryan!! Was it leather or silk? He apparently runs Hollywood now according to Regis Philbin (he said that earlier on Regis and Kelly)… the guy does absolutely everything!!! I would have to agree.
It was an Interesting line up for the show. Some of the top guys from last week were slated to go right out of the gate which made me kind of nervous. Michael Johns and Jason Castro were first up, two of my very favorites. As Ryan drew the judges out on what they expected from the night Randy hoped the nerves were gone and said they had to bring it hard and they needed to be in it to win it. Never a truer statement. I think in past seasons what always happens is that second week lull. There is the initial let down and gear up and nerves for week one and then some of them flounder, play it safe, get lost, or get confused. I suspected it would be no different than any other season. Paula thought it would be better this week regarding nerves and Simon said the guys who were bad last week just simply needed to be better. With that it was time for the guys to take on classics from the 1970’s. Oh! Does that mean it will be 80’s week next week??? Each contestant also would be answering a question for America telling us something we may not know about them.
First up out of the gate was Michael Johns who admitted he loved tennis! So he was a jock too! The ladies were certainly going to love that!! Well, you cannot deny it. The camera loves Michael Johns. He sang “You Can Go Your Own Way”. I didn’t like the performance this week as well as last week but it was still just fine. Maybe it was because I see a band behind him backing him up and he seemed kind of even keeled and not full of energy like usual. He also sounded kind of sharp and a little pitchy. Both my husband and I thought he might get ripped to shreds by the judges. Randy thought it was nice but it wasn’t his best. Randy wanted him to let go during the song but he never did. Paula thought he was consistent and got the whole crowd working. She thought he was seasoned, charismatic, and charming. Simon thought it was okay but by far his weakest performance of the whole competition. Simon thought it was coasting for him, that there was no “moment” and really a weak choice of song for him. Michael thought it was a dream to sing a Fleetwood Mac song so he was happy. Reality said it was really one dimensional.
Jason Castro was up next. He was so endearing about how he doesn’t interview well and there was a lot of “non-music” stuff that went with music. Nice and comical edit Idol team! He had his guitar again which of course I love! He did amazing in my opinion but would the judges pounce upon him for playing guitar once again? He sang “I Just Want to Be Your Everything”. I think he can make anything sound good, even that crazy song. I loved the arrangement he did. It was interesting. Randy liked that he was a good act but his vocals weren’t all that great. He thought it was karaoke like. Paula thought he made a clever choice and interpreted it well. She wanted to hear him next week without the guitar and be more vulnerable and she thought he did a good job. Simon thought the song was horrible, to schmaltzy and it didn’t all go together, the song, his voice, and the guitar like it did last week. Simon thought he chose a very average song and he could have chose a better one. Well, I did have to agree with Simon on song choice.
After the break it was time for Luke Menard. His interesting fact was his time spent in an acapella group. They traveled everywhere and he was on the road 6 years. He is very seasoned for Idol. Too seasoned! Man, he picked a DANG hard song to sing. He chose to sing Queen’s “Killer Queen”. I thought Luke did 10,000 times better this week but I still think he will go home. He does have a very good voice and he took a risk with the song but he is certainly no Freddie Mercury. Plus he did the dorky dance which never bodes well. Randy said he picked a tough song and he liked him better this week. Paula thought it was great for him vocally, he picked the perfect song and she was glad she fought for him to be in the Top 24. Simon thought it was a huge mistake to pick a Queen song. He would be compared to the charismatic and “fill the stage” Freddie Mercury and Luke came up way, way short. Ryan wondered how Luke was going to take that comment and Luke pointed out last week he was 0-3 with the judges and now he was 2-3 so he was happy. Now that was a great attitude Luke!
Next was former boy band member Robbie Carrico who totally made me laugh out loud as he told Simon to “get used to it” regarding his style of rock. He had an exciting hobby of drag racing and warned us to participate safely!! He chose to sing “Hot Blooded”. He had charisma and reminded me of an 80’s band lead singer. Maybe that was why I liked Robbie Carrico…his 80’s vibe not just in music but hairstyle. He definitely had stage presence in his nice “Foreigner” cover but it wasn’t necessarily vocally challenging. Randy didn’t know (like Simon last week) if rock was really Robbie’s thing. Man, they were picking on Robbie about his whole genre of music. Randy did think he did a pretty good job but he didn’t really let it all go on stage. Paula pointed out that nobody knows who you are but you (referring to Simon and Randy telling Robbie that rock wasn’t his style). True in most cases! I know I’m trying to still figure me out! Paula thought he played it a little bit safe and he needed to just come out and be him. That was a right on assessment! Simon told him not to get too defensive about his comments last week because it was just Simon’s opinion after all and that actually he thought the vocal was alright. Nice. Back on Simon’s good side.
Then there was Danny Noriega He used to be in a punk rock band! How fun is that! What? Okay, that picture of him with his band mate made him look like a girl! Maybe it was the leopard pants and the purse he had…and the jean vest…and the matching rhinestone belt he had with his friend! Danny! Fashion faux pas!! Danny chose to sing a nice slow song to showcase his vocals. By slowing it down he showed the judges that he had listened to what they had to say last week. Reuben did the same song “Superstar” on season two and did amazing. How did Danny compare? I personally liked the Velvet Teddy Bear’s version better and die hard Idol fans will most certainly agree. But, I was glad Danny brought it down to show his “softer” side. The crowd seemed to love him. Randy told him he was a fan of him. He thought the vocals were okay, but he needed to just let it go. Paula told him he had amazing vocal skill. She told him to not over think it. Simon told him this week was better than last but he tried to hard, almost like he was over concentrating. However, he looked terrific on camera and he stood out from everyone else and Simon liked that about him. Oh Danny is very likeable. I’m sure he will be around next week.
After Danny’s attempt to slow thing down it was time for David Hernandez to speed things back up. We found out he was quite the accomplished gymnast in his younger years! He chose to sing “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”, an absolute perfect song choice for him. David Hernandez was a fighter! I loved that about him! He came back swinging this week! Man, he really has a great voice. Plus he is a great performer and the camera loves him! I think by far the best performance so far. He was at ease, I believed every word he said and he went for it! Okay, his jacket was SWEET too! Loved it! He was so comfortable up there and worked great with the band and the back up singers. Dang, he hit it out of the park. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!! Randy was like “this is the David Hernandez we fell in love with”. According to Randy it was hot and very nice. Paula loved how pure his voice was, every note was right in the pocket. His personality really came out too, he told a story, and it was perfect. Simon told him it was the best vocal of the night so far! Yeah! Simon liked that he wasn’t childish about receiving criticism (like some of the other ones) but he took it as a challenge and at first he wasn’t a fan but now he was. Yeah! Go David! I really, really hope he makes the Top 12.
With that amazing performance I felt bad for Jason Yeager. Who would want to follow that? His video montage informed us that he was self-taught on the guitar, piano, and drums. The reality with Jason is that he really does have a great, great voice, but that is about it. Is it possible he can be too happy, it’s almost like he needs to bring it down a notch. He, for me was uncomfortable to watch but if I closed my eyes extremely wonderful to listen to. Randy thought the 70’s was the greatest music and wondered why nobody was picking good songs. With that he thought Jason was pitchy and karaoke. Paula liked to see this side (the more upbeat moving around stuff) of him but the song didn’t show off his vocals. She told him to pick singer songs. Simon told him last week was boring and this week was awkward and the ending was horrific. He thought he was a drunk at a party and that it was corny. Oh, harsh, but mostly what I was thinking but didn’t have the heart to write. Simon thought he was a quite good singer who couldn’t perform very well. That is EXACTLY it. Jason thought he put a lot of thought into it and picked a song with soul. Ryan pointed out how tough Simon had been on him. Last week he was like a dependable little dog and this week he was like drunk. Well, Jason said that hopefully next week he would find something he could do straight from the heart. Simon then had one final stab to say it was like “The Oscars” with the never ending speeches and couldn’t they cue the music. Poor Jason. I felt bad for him. I don’t think he will get the chance to do something straight from the heart.
Then it was time for Chikezie. Yes, that really is his name and it is always mispronounced. His whole video montage was about his Nigerian name. He came out with confidence and sounded great! I did not love his blue and green layered polo shirt but vocally he sounded very, very good. He was definitley in it to win it. He picked a great song and worked it out! The second best performance of the night for sure! Nice! Randy said that Chikezie was back America. It was blazing, he had fun, and it was hot! Chikezie was in it to win it. Hey, that’s what I said!! Paula thought it was clever and brilliant and fun. Simon said he looked better, sounded better, it was a clever choice of song and a million times better than last week. He sang Donny Hathaway’s “I Believe to My Soul” and gave a shout out to one of Donny’s daughters, his Idol back-up singer. Nice Chikezie! He will so be here next week! He totally did a 180 in my opinion.
Next up was the rocker David Cook who admitted that he was a huge “word nerd”. He loves crossword puzzles and words. I kind of liked to see that side of our rocker friend. Not only can he rock, but he is smart! He pulled out his guitar this week and sounded hot! He has a GREAT rock voice. He sang “Alright Now”. He totally got the crowd going and singing with him. He definitely has a recording voice. David rocked it! Randy loved him throwing the guitar picks out in to the crowd like a real concert. Randy told him he was the real rocker from the boys this year. Oh, ouch to Robbie Carrico! Randy believed him when he performed. Paula pointed out the band was on fire and David was the real deal. He got it, he got it. Very smart and very relevant to who he was. Simon told him it was solid but that David didn’t have a lot of charisma. Simon didn’t think that the film about crosswords did him any favors and Simon was irritated that David pointed out that it wasn’t up to Simon but viewers at home. Man, touchy touchy tonight for Simon. That has got to be hard though for the contestants to have Simon irritated at them. I’d cry myself to sleep wanting to get back on his good side! At least Paula pointed out that women like smart men! I think David will be safe to sing again next week.
Finally it was time for darling “let’s adopt him” David Archuleta. When Ryan introduced him the girls went crazy. Oh the girls love him! I predict they will be fainting in a few weeks as his heart throb status grows. We found out that when he was 11 he met the American Idol finalists after the season one finale (I love Kelly Clarkson!) and got to sing for them in the lobby. They were all into him including Kelly Clarkson who was quite amazed with his voice! I love him even more now because he impressed Kelly! David chose the John Lennon song “Imagine”. He was amazing. He didn’t over sing it, he was sensitive, he made it his own, and he rocked his clothes. Oh how the girls screamed. Randy said it was about the young ones this season and that he just had one of the best vocals he had ever heard on the show. Randy said he was born to sing. Brilliant. Paula told him that he was ridiculous, she wanted to squish him and squeeze his head off and dangle him from her rear view mirror. Oh Paula, you just said what we ladies were all thinking but so much better!!! Paula said it was one of the most moving performances she had ever heard and that he was destined for superstardom. Simon said it was very, very risky to do a John Lennon song but it worked and right now he was the one to beat. Then he pointed out that there were 19 very miserable contestants sitting there tonight after that performance. Oh David, you are so on your way!
So, after the Top 10 boys performed here is there standing order in my opinion…
1. David Archuleta
2. David Hernandez
3. Chikezie
4. Michael Johns
5. Jason Castro
6. David Cook
7. Robbie Carrico
8. Luke Menard
9. Danny Noriega
10. Jason Yeager
Obviously the David’s were AMAZING and Chikezie was quite fanstastic too. Michael Johns and Jason Castro fell kind of flat (the second week lull’s and poor song choice) but I love them still and know they have it in them and will come back blazing next week. I must say that it probably is time for Jason Yeager to go home and I hope upon hope that Luke Menard is right behind him. But, Danny could be the one on the chopping block with his more “sensitive” performance. However I think his fans will save him to fight it out another week. At this stage you really, really have to bring it each week to stay alive for the Top 12.
Next time on American Idol the Top 10 girls perform and I’m curious to see if Carly Smithson makes a better song choice and if Amanda Overmyer gets her sensitive side on. America (meaning young teens with amazingly swift dialing fingers) can only take so much hard core real rock and roll!!! She will totally be in her element though with 70’s week on her side. It may just be the little gift from heaven she’s looking for. I have a feeling this week’s theme will fit her quite nicely like a silver chain tucked into her back pocket. I cannot wait to hear what she has to deliver.
I guess it’s goodbye to Jason Yeager and Luke Menard. Hopefully Jason had enough time on American Idol to show his son that you can achieve your dreams and I’ll cross my fingers for Luke that his acapella group hasn’t filled his spot yet!
© Copyright 2007 Blindigo Magazine | Article written by Niki Tschirgi
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