Once again, I come bearing bad news—another controversial personality on American Idol is gone. No, America, it wasn’t Kristy Lee Cook’s horrible country butchering of “8 Days a Week” which has now ruined me from ANY version of that song. No, “you decided” that the possibly gay/bi stripper, David Hernandez, had to go. Now what? There’s no more controversy on this show! Instead, it’s week after week of Paula saying the same thing: “This is the most talented season ever.”
It was a strong week for the boys and girls, and overall, I was pleased with how everyone handled the Lennon/McCarthy songbook from the Beatles era. It also reminded me how much I absolutely love the Beatles and apparently it reminded all of America because we get another theme day of it. The biggest surprise of the week was Chikezie, with his Taylor Hicks moment, for managing to win over Simon.
Syesha Mercado did her Earth, Wind & Fire version of “Got to Get You Into My Life”, and I can’t say anyone should be surprised. Syesha sounds great in that kind of accompaniment but when you put all her cards on the table, it seems like no one is truly believing she’s going to win it all.
Chikezie did an energetic, fun, Chikezie-Ezie spin on “She’s a Woman”—it was fun to see him have so much fun, but I’m not running so far as to say he could surprise a lot of people in this competition. He has three weeks left, if that.
Ramiele Malubay about bored the entire world with “In My Life”. She’s got a great voice, but when is she going to listen? Don’t depress us, and don’t make us sad because we voted off your friends; give us something upbeat! She’s in serious danger if she does that to us again next week.
Jason Castro did his sincere “I have a honest voice”-type singing that always works so well for him because he’s believable. I enjoyed “If I Fell” because he does have that star quality where you feel that he believes or has lived every song he sings. He’s so in it and his being humble, shy and attractive completely helps.
Carly Smithson had another great and fun week with “Come Together” and sealed it with the Idol kiss, comparing her to being at the same turnaround time in the competition that Kelly Clarkson experienced when she was on the show. That’s putting it on heavy, though she has a lot to live up to.
David Cook rocked it out with “Eleanor Rigby”, and is really surprising some people. The biggest question is if can he have two more solid weeks of stellar performances…
Brooke White did what she does best—transform a song into acoustic and make it sound incredible. Even though she’s so remarkably good (vocally and literally, apparently) and genuine, can she truly take everything given to her and make it sound so vocally rich and emotionally collected? She’s the Jason Castro of the women but I think Brooke has a big career ahead of her in country/folk/pop.
David Hernandez did some stripper-like moves and sang to women with “I Saw Her Standing There”. Simon thought it was corny, and just like that, David H. is gone.
Amanda Overmyer had her best week to date with her own Amanda touch on “You Can’t Do That.” It was so nice to see her rock out, smiling and having fun. For weeks she’s looked forced and unhappy on the show. I’m glad she seems to be more with it this week, besides being Carly’s roommate of course.
Michael Johns sang “Across the Universe” and did a great job as he tends to do. He’s really amazing but I’m not expecting another two weeks of perfection.
Kristy Lee Cook butchered “8 Days a Week” by a sped up country tempo. Yeah sure, guts… whatever. Bad choice, but the cute and possibly gay/bi stripper went home. I think she truly, deep down, thought it was her time, too. If she’s still in this competition eight days from now, I’ll be shocked.
David Archuleta had an imperfect performance of a great classic in “We Can Work It Out”, which I generally love and know the words to myself. Apparently, his father may have screamed at him to not forget the words. If so, I do feel sorry for David because he seems like a nice, talented young man. They should keep parents out in situations like this. Archuleta has it in him to have a better week.
Katharine McPhee came back to sing but sadly it wasn’t the song she should have sang—the one with Eliot Yamin, which is the one off of the new Randy Jackson album I reviewed. Instead, we got a pretty boring vocal performance from such a beautiful and genuinely talented singer.
YouTube Videos of the Week
Madonna’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, part one, two, three and four.
Thank you for reading; make your moment your breakthrough.
