I don’t know who’s picking these themes, but somebody needs to intervene. Mariah Carey? Seriously?
(While I’m at it, we finally got around to watching Idol Gives Back the other night. Great show, loved the message, but who lined up these performers? Gloria Estefan? Heart? Annie Lennox? Can we find somebody who’s been relevant in, I don’t know, the last 25 years? What, was Quiet Riot busy? Was Bananarama busy planning the reunion tour? But I digress…)
Nevertheless, I thought last night was full of quality performances. Here’s the quick rundown:
David Archuleta: I would never in a million years buy a CD from this kid, but he can absolutely sing anything. The teeny-boppers actually have this one right: he’s the one to beat at this point.
Carly Smithson: Personally, I thought her performance was great. This is the kind of big power ballad she should’ve been singing all along. But the judges were less than complimentary, and I think that’ll be her downfall. Plus, she’s just an awkward interview. (Note to self: don’t call the other contestants “boring” on national TV.)
Syesha Mercado: She’s an OK singer, I guess. I just get tired of the drama. I think Bri said it best: she’s an actress playing the part of a diva singer right now. I just don’t buy it. I give her credit for always going for the big song. But you also have to know when you just don’t have the pipes to pull it off.
Brooke White: She’s growing on me. I really “connected” with her performance, even if she also ran out of gas towards the end. But I think I’m coming around to what people have seen in her all along: even on a song that’s too big for her, her authenticity wins out. I think it’d really be a shame if she went home this week — after missing her sister’s wedding last week! I hope she stays.
Kristi Lee Cook: Every week I predict her to go home, and every week she skates right on through. At this point, she’s even picking up steam, since she wasn’t in the bottom three last week. I thought there were some “pitchy” spots in her performance, but she belted out those big notes in the end and that’s probably enough to earn her yet another week here.
David Cook: This is my boy. I didn’t appreciate his cover of “Always Be My Baby” as much as the judges did, (although it’s been rattling around my head all morning) but he took a risk and clearly it worked. More than any other performer, this dude has a sound that’s original and identifiable. I’m predicting Daughtry-like success for this guy, whether he wins or not.
Jason Casto: The morning after the show, I can’t remember what song he sang. But I remember liking it. He stays.
Bottom three prediction: Syesha, Carly, Kristi Lee
Who I wish was going home: Syesha
Who I think is going home: Carly
already & not yet 
Archuleta- Brilliant.Carly- I, like you, thought she did great. Plus, she covered up that tattoo, and I could actually watch her this time.Syesha- I thought it was terrible. Brooke- I loved her performance, but I hate that she sped through the last part of the song. She really did change pace.Kristi Lee- Sigh, I hate to say it, but I liked her performance last night.David Cook- Kudos for originality, I enjoyed it, but won’t be buying it. I like what Paula said though about it being a soundtrack song.Jason Castro- He’ll float through until about the top 4 or 5, then he’ll be exposed. I think he has a good voice, but little personality.My bottom three: Syesha, Carly, and Brooke.Who I want to go home: SyeshaWho I think will go home: CarlyBut, if tonight is anything like last week, who knows?
Quiet Riot?! Yeah baby. I’m glad to know someone thinks like me! BTW, check out Will Willoman’s blog it’s great. Still thinking about your sermon- powerful stuff. Blessings. Pat
I too am tired of Shyesha and wish she would shusha. David A. is a smash with the teenage girls so he will probably win the popular vote. He CAN sing anything, but he doesn’t have a lot of personality, in my opinion.Brooke – you gotta love her, she is the real deal.Kristi Lee has grown on me. If she had a country album, I’d probably buy it.Jason C. – I don’t really “get” him, but he is intriging ‘cuz you never really know what he will pull out his bag of tricks.I think Carly will go home soon, but she will probably have a musical career at this point. She kina reminds me of CHER a bit.Jason Cook is my man! I want to see him win this. I would buy his album today, and would download all his songs from AI if I had the time. He is memorable, talented, and has a one-of-a-kind voice. Too bad I lived through my rock years before his time.
I just don’t get Jason C. It’s like you said last night, if you take away his instruments, I don’t think that he would still be here.I am hoping that Syesha goes home. I really liked Brooke’s performance. But my favorite is David Cook. Krisi Lee actually did well last night, but I still don’t really care for her.
Lane, looks like you and I are in agreement. Pat, thanks for stopping by, brother. And thanks for the kind words. I didn’t know Willimon had a blog. Is he on blogspot? Did you know I met him when he was in Huntsville last summer?
Tara, I’m not sure if David Cook can beat Archuleta and his minions of adoring pre-pubescent, text-message savvy fans. But I’d like to see it happen. Sunny, I agree 100%.
Can’t say that I’m disappointed with Kristi’s dismissal last night. A little surprised, but not disappointed.