I don’t know about you, my faithful AI friends, but after tonight, I am really intrigued. As we are introduced to the judges, Randy announces that season 7’s boys offer the most originality than any other season. Paula tells them they must pick the right song. I make special note of this, because it was the last coherent thing she would say this evening. Simon says "have personality, originality and sing well". Ryan tells us that the theme for this evening is the 60’s. I am curious as to why they would force a theme night, as in the past, this show was where we kind of got a feel for what kind of music the contestants like and what they would bring to the table. Only five were able to really run with the 60’s theme and make it current, so maybe the point was to separate the boys from the men. Let’s get this show on the road:
David Hernandez "Midnight Hour"
David first tells us that he was raised by his mother, and that he has had some struggles in his life. We are reminded of his great auditions and then he opens the show.
I am already excited, because I love this song. (Of course I am picturing the Grateful Dead’s version). I do like this guy’s voice, and aside from the stiff performance and a couple of rough high notes, I think he did a respectable vocal. Randy loved it. Paula started in on the "color it up stuff". Simon thought it was better than he was expecting, and he liked the beginning. I think he did enough with the song to make it another week. He will need to find his comfort zone on stage or he will be this season’s Rudy Cardenas.
Chikezie Eze "More Today, Than Yesterday"
We are first reminded that Chikezie was eliminated season 6 during Hollywood week. When he starts off the song it sounds like it is too low for him. Then I became completely annoyed by the arrangement. This is a slowed down, out of tune mess. Oh no, that wasn’t a wink, was it? Randy thought is was old-fashioned, Paula starts rambling about how great he is and how glad she is that he is back, and I can see Simon rolling his eyes in the background so I know he is on my side. At this point I am becoming distracted by some kind of clicking sound. Simon starts by calling Chikezie, Jacuzzi and finishes by telling him he hated everything from the suit, the wink, to the song. Chikezie gets a little smart mouthed with Simon’s critique of his suit. I think he better be glad that the focus was on the suit because the singing was awful.
David Cook "Happy Together"
David tells us he is a bartender and a musician and comes out ready to rock. I think the song choice is a great one, and I am already tapping my feet and hoping he does well. He looks really comfortable on stage and I enjoy his performance, but there are definitely some pitch problems. I think he has done enough to land him in top 6 ranking, but I am not blown away. Luckily I have seen enough of David to be a little invested in him, and I am pretty sure I am not the only one who will feel that way. Randy and Paula love it and Simon thinks it is "almost" believable.
Jason Yeager "Moonriver"
Yawn. Unfortunately for this seemingly sweet dad, he made a really bad song choice. I can almost see an 80 year old Andy Williams in Branson. Trying to sell it by telling us it is a tribute to his grandmother didn’t help. Since we have seen so little of Jason in the earlier audition shows, he had basically one shot to resonate with the audience. This song didn’t make an impact on me and I have to agree with Simon, I could see this man on a cruise ship.
Side note: The clicking noise that is going on while the judges’ talk is driving me insane. Is it a bad microphone? Dice? You see? I have already completely lost interest in poor Jason. I have a feeling he will be going home.
Robbie Carrico "One"
We are reminded that even though Robbie was part of a "boy/girl" band, he is really a rocker. He really does fantastic with this Three Dog Night song, and I love the vocal in spite of myself. Robbie has a surprisingly great range, and even though the headscarf is a little too much for me, I can’t argue with a great voice. Randy liked it. Paula thought it was a great song choice, but Simon doesn’t know if he believes the rocker image that Robbie is trying to portray. Me thinks Robbie protests too much. I said it before; this guy is boy band all the way. That being said, the man has nothing to worry about after that performance. He is a top 6 singer, with or without the headscarf.
David Archuleta "Shop Around"
At first I am worried that it is going to be too low for him, as he seems to struggle with a few of the beginning notes. The minute he gets going, the kid is phenomenal and is completely comfortable on stage. He delivers a very professional performance and is too darling for words. Randy was blown away so see such a mature performance from a 17-year-old kid. Paula struggled to articulate her thoughts. Simon thought it was the best performance of the night. I could actually see this kid in the final 3 or 4. There is something very genuine about him, and although I think he is a little young, he has that natural talent that the show is looking for.
Danny Noriega "Jailhouse Rock"
I am bothered by the timing with this song right from the start. I can’t tell if he is just slightly off on his music, or if the song arranged funky. He actually sings it well, if I don’t look at him. Where the judges think there is something sacred about Whitney and Mariah, I think there is something sacred about Elvis. This performance does not rock my world. Randy thought it was great, and Paula said it was "in and out of the beautiful colors" and Simon becomes openly hostile about his hatred of the performance. I think his bad mood is mostly attributed to the "colors" nonsense that Paula is spewing, and I have to choke back a giggle as she tries to explain what she is talking about. Danny gave a little attitude to Simon with a shoulder roll, a snap and a "some people weren’t liking it". I am thinking that American Idol fans might not be ready for Danny Noriega.
Luke Menard "Everybody’s Talking"
As they give a little of the back-story on Luke I am thinking to myself, this guy is darling. I love the song choice and I try to enjoy his Kenny Loggins (God rest his soul) vibe, but he lacks energy and the performance never takes off. He has a couple of pitch problems, when he sings loud enough to hear them. I think he brings a different sound to the group, but I am not sure he is up to the talent level of the other singers in the top 12. He is too wooden and timid on stage. Simon says it all-he is forgettable. Chikezie might get more votes than this poor guy.
Colton Berry "Suspicious Minds"
Colton is another guy who didn’t get tons of TV attention, and he comes out with a bit of a corny performance. His vocal is actually really good, but I am thinking "High School Musical". When Ryan asks you if you need to "dial back" the theatrics, you might be in trouble. I think this kid will connect with certain people, and although Simon thought it was an irrelevant performance and very karaoke, I think he was engaging and talented enough to secure himself until next week.
Garrett Haley "Breaking Up is Hard to do"
Garrett is another virtual stranger, and this is the first time I have heard his voice. He has a sweet smile and a very "Frampton Comes Alive" look to him, so I am surprised to hear how much he sounds like Neil Sedaka. He looks scared to death, but I was impressed at how he kept smiling-even after Simon said he looked as if he had been shut up in his room for a month and was haunted. Simon also said the performance was boring and whiny and Garrett looked frightened and like he needed some fresh air. I think he was cute and gracious, and all that harshness from Simon should appeal to the Sanjaya tween fans from last year. I think he will get a second chance.
Jason Castro "Daydream"
Here is another singer who is a mystery. He has this wild looking hair, and tells us that he is a drummer. I immediately notice that he has beautiful blue eyes. Then he starts playing his guitar and singing, and I am immediately a fan. This kid has something special, and I finally understand all of those comments Simon keeps making about relevance. Jason looks like he was born to be on that stage, and he makes the song sound very contemporary. Randy thought it was just okay. Paula disagreed (is it the blue eyes?) and thought he made a great song choice, and Simon said he has got the IT factor. I can’t wait to see his next performance. He is definitely a top performer for the evening.
Michael Lee Johns "Light my Fire"
Okay, I had a Jim Morrison poster in my room and I thought that this song was the sexiest I had ever heard when I was 15 years old. Now I have heard the song three times in the last week. Don’t get me wrong, I love the look of this guy and I have totally enjoyed his other performances. (Oh and have I said I LOVE his accent?) I just watched it again to make sure how I feel about it. The song may be growing a little tiresome, but he reminds me of the lead singer of INXS with that scarf and sexy swagger. Anyway, Randy and Paula loved it. Simon said he is the most consistent and has charisma. This guy has charmed the audience enough to stay put.
I am amazed that, even with the level of talent, you can already start to separate the group into who is going to grab phone votes and who probably won’t. I have to give kudos to the judges for providing a little better variety of styles this season. I can’t wait to hear the girls tomorrow. Hopefully Paula will take her meds first….
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