Top 8

It was an interesting night on Idol. Once again, some of the better singers are still struggling to define themselves as artists, and it is getting late in the game for that. The theme was "Inspirational Songs" in an attempt to get everyone in the spirit of possibility for Idol Gives Back tomorrow night. Ryan jumps right into the show, as there is only an hour to get all the singing in, plus all the plugs for tomorrow evening. Let’s begin:

Michael Johns "Dream On"

Michael explains that he picked this song because his dream to come to this country and make it in the music industry are becoming possible, and he thought it was the perfect pick for Idol Gives Back. He sounds great, almost exactly like the recording, and I am loving it all the way up to the scream. It isn’t that he sang it off-key, but let's face it, nobody wails like Stephen Tyler. Randy said he didn’t believe that he was that type of rocker, and it was just okay for him. Paula thought Randy couldn’t be more wrong, and she loved it and so did her Chihuahua. Right off the bat Paula is making no sense. Simon thought it was a good performance, but that he prefers Michael when he doesn’t imitate others and when he stays with that r & b feel which feels more authentic and not wannabe. He is in the dreaded first position, which has been the kiss of death for many in this competition, but I thought he did well enough to not have to worry.

Syesha Mercada "I Believe"

Syesha chose this Fantasia song that she performed when she won Idol in season 3. She says it is her favorite and it has a great message in light of what Idol is trying to achieve tomorrow evening. She sings it really well. I am worried about her though, because I have seen multiple interviews in the last year with Paula and Simon, and they have said when asked, that all three judges still feel that Fantasia is the best Idol to ever come from this show by a mile. I know, I don’t get it either. While I can’t find much to say to criticize Syesha’s vocal, because I think she did great, her performance still looks too rehearsed and not believable. Randy immediately says that Fantasia’s version was better. Paula reminds everyone that she did a great job with the song, if you don’t compare her. Simon thought she technically did fine with the song but the huge emotional connection was missing. I feel really bad for Syesha, because she is a good singer, but week after week it seems she struggles to understand what the judges are saying to her.

Jason Castro "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Jason gives his first really polished interview, where he not only sounds intelligent, but sincere. He comes out with only his ukulele and absolutely catches the essence of the song, as arranged by Israel "Iz" Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo'ole. For me, this was the best of the evening. It almost seemed as if he could have wrote this song himself. His vocal was really clear and on key, and once again, he seemed completely at home on stage. Randy said it was blazing hot and that Jason was back. Paula said it was the perfect song choice and he did a great job. Simon said it was fantastic. I think blue eyes will be just fine this week.

Kristy Lee Cook "Anyway"

Kristy Lee picks this song because not only does it fit the occasion, but because it tells the story of her journey on Idol. She actually sings it pretty well, and it is heartfelt. I think if for some reason she is the one to go home Thursday night, she can be very proud of herself. She is a smart contestant and understands her niche and how to reach out to the heartland where her fan base is. She has grown with each performance, and despite adversity, the girl is always cheerful and has a great attitude. Randy thought she had a couple of pitch problems but he loved that song on her. Paula thought she outdid herself and this was her best performance by far. Simon thought she did very well. He felt she did pick the best song for her, and that she looked like a star.

David Cook "Innocent"

David feels like he picked a really great song for the occasion and that the song let’s people know that there is good in everyone. I am not sure he presents himself well in the interview, he seems very distracted, although I love the normal haircut on him. I have to confess of having no knowledge of this song or the band Our Lady Peace. When he starts to sing, I don’t care for how low it is, and I am just not getting the performance or the song. I also am hyper aware that he is pale. He does put out his hand at the end with the words "Give Back" which was a nice touch, but the song feels all weird for me. His voice is great as always, but I know I won’t remember anything about this song tomorrow. Randy didn’t get it. Paula thought he was the whole package and did a great job. Simon thought he gave a bit of a pompous performance and didn’t like the white jacket. I don’t know if he was pompous, but he definitely didn’t look like he felt well, or like he was completely focused as he usually does. It is the first performance that hasn’t blown me away, but I have every confidence he will be back, bigger and better next week.

Carly Smithson. "The Show Must Go On"

Carly saw Freddie Mercury sing this song on Live Aid when she was young and was thrilled to get to sing this song for Idol Gives Back. I think she looks better, but I am not quite getting the song in the context of inspiring people to take on an issue like world hunger and poverty. I also think she needs to stop with the big notes. A couple of them got away from her. I am really worried about her after this performance. It was not memorable. Randy thought it was just okay. Paula thinks she has a pretty perfect voice, but she didn’t feel engaged by this performance, she felt there was a total disconnect. Simon said she looked good, but he found the song choice unusual and thought that she lost control of the song toward the end. He felt the performance came off as angry. It wasn’t my favorite. I think she just blew her chances with that choice.

David Archuleta "Angels"

David takes such care with his song picks, and you can tell in his interview that he will be completely committed to the performance. He selects Angels by Robbie Williams, which really showcases his voice. He plays the piano and he delivers a gorgeous vocal, getting better as it goes. David blows me away each week with his talent and with his sincerity. I am glad he accompanied himself because it is good to remind the fans of just how talented he is. Randy thought it was his hottest the entire season. Paula said "that sums it up, fantastic". Simon didn’t think it was his best vocal, but it was definitely the best song choice of the evening. He also said he is only nitpicking, because David will sail through to the next round.

Brooke White "You’ve Got a Friend"

Brooke did this song at a talent show years ago, and thought it was the ultimate feel good song for the occasion of Idol Gives Back. She seems really nervous to me. She sings the song very well, but she doesn’t really bring anything unique or different to it from the Carol King version. The performance is sweet, but she comes over as stiff and nervous. Randy liked it, but it was just ok. He wasn’t jumping up and down. Paula said it was definitive of who Brooke is. Simon thought it was pleasant, but unoriginal. Brooke is noticeably quieter during the comments, but still can’t help herself from chatting back a little. Maybe she read Gene’s blog?

Overall, the show seemed to have as many highs as it did lows. It is really interesting to me that a singer as talented as Carly can’t seem to make a song choice that allows her to grab the audience. As far as tonight goes, my top three performances were Jason Castro, David Archuleta, and Michael Johns. My bottom three singers are Syesha Mercado, Brooke White, and Carly Smithson, and I have a feeling that Carly could bring an upset and be the one to go home. David Cook will be able to hold onto his fan base for another week, and I think Kristy Lee may have sold herself to a whole new group of fans with her spin on a very popular Martina McBride song. It will be interesting Thursday night. Enjoy Idol Gives Back, and tune in the next two nights….