First up was Michael Johns with "Dream On" by Aerosmith. Last week, he was amazing, so it's only natural to compare it to then and, well, it was definitely not as good. In fact, the falsetto screeching near the end was just odd. I mean, it was OK, but something didn't work out... it seemed boring. I agree with Randy (it was aiite) and also Simon (good performance, but doesn't fit him), while Paula was full of her usual fluff (you sound as good as you look?, Chihuahua reference?).
Next was Syesha Mercado, singing "I Believe" by Fantasia. I didn't actually remember Fantasia singing this song (I barely remember Fantasia ever since she disappeared) until Syesha started belting out those useless lyrics. Syesha doesn't have the same edge to her voice that made it trademark Fantasia, and I think that it was a poor song choice on Syesha's part. To her credit, Syesha sang it well, but I again agree with Randy (there wasn't the same connection). Paula said you can't compare Syesha to Fantasia, but if you choose to do a Fantasia song on American Idol, there has to be a comparison (like what Simon said... again, no emotion).
Third was Jason Castro. The moment he said "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", I thought we were in for trouble - then he mentioned Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and I knew he'd have them in his hands. He and Israel share the same style, but it was absolutely no different from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version. The judges all ate it up, but I thought it was no 'better' than the first two performers, simply because it wasn't original.
Kristi Lee Cook was next on up to the chopping blo - er - stage. She sang "Anyway" by Martina McBride, one of the greatest Country singers around (and that means a lot coming from me, since I hate Country). I was so blown away; Kristi actually sang well and what's more, she sang with a ton of emotion. She nailed "inspirational" songs week. Randy (a few pitch problems), Paula (loved it), and Simon (thought she brought who she really is, looks like a star) definitely got it right.
David Cook sang "Innocent". Boy, did it start off awful in the low range. I know the song goes into falsetto during the "and I", but it sounded awkward, and for some reason, when David should have been belting out the notes, the background choir completely overshadowed his voice. And, did it end too soon? Oh well, it doesn't matter, he wrote "Give Back" on his hand, so there's no way they'll vote him off. Again, I find myself agreeing with Randy, hating Paula's fluff, and can't help agreeing with Simon's noting David is pompous.
Carly chose "The Show Must Go On" by Queen. When I heard that, I knew only Carly could take on a song like this with her wondrous range. I loved the beginning, and overall I thought it was OK, but nothing amazing or showstopping. I find myself agreeing with Randy once again; he seems to have it going on this week. Paula was odd again... coming the closest to sounding coherent and lucid this evening. And Simon gave USEFUL comments to Carly, which was amazing (that she sounded just to angry as opposed to inspirational).
The second-last performer was David Archuleta, ruler of Teenage Girls' hearts. He decided to sing "Angels", which he felt so strongly... good God. If you hadn't guessed, he annoys me to no end. But, I do have to admit that his performance last week was the best. The chorus was definitely great, but I didn't really like the "I'm loving angels" parts near the ends of the verses, or the final note. He was better than any of the previous competitors, though. I'll agree with Simon for this performance... I just hope someone else steps up in the competition (but the only ones I could see going against him are David and Carly, and if Carly gets voted off....)
And last but not least, Brooke White, one of my favourites in the competition who has been making so-so song choices. But of course, this is inspirational week, and Brooke can't help but choose the sappiest song EVER made EVER. "You've got a Friend", which people, thankfully, will eat up. She sang sans piano/guitar, which usually means trouble, but it was, again, OK (a couple noticeable pitch problems, though). If it was purely vocals, she may be in trouble, but her performance was so full of heart (something Brooke seems to have mastered) that she'll definitely be safe. Randy summed it up succinctly, Paula said something that almost made sense, and Simon Cowell called it pleasant/nice, which is exactly what the song is anyway.
So, what are my predictions for the bottom three? It's pretty easy this week: Carly (for the botched up and weird style), Syesha (picking an Idol winner's song? Suuuuicide) and either Michael (the falsetto freaked me out) or Kristi (just because she seems to live in the bottom three).
I don't think anyone had an amazing performance here tonight, but I'd say David A. sang best, followed by Kristi and Brooke. I suppose Jason Castro was average, and David Cook has too many fans to go, although it was his weakest performance by far.
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