The Top Five Perform
American Idol by Michael Becker/Fox
Hey guys! So, it's
Neil Diamond night, and I've had "Sweet Caroline" in my head all freakin' day. Thanks a lot, Neil! P.S., my husband says we're related to Mr. Diamond. Yeah, I'll believe that when I get front row seats to his concert!
Ryan introduces the top five: Syesha looks amazing, Brooke looks like someone's mom from the Jersey Shore out for a night of gambling at the Taj Majal, and everyone else looks decent. Why does Brooke insist on dressing like either an old lady or a fairy princess? Please explain.
Tonight, the Idols will be singing two Diamond songs so buckle up and enjoy the ride. The contestants gather around the piano and Neil tells them not to be nervous, that the songs are meant to be enjoyed. That's cool. Ryan tells us that the contestants will be judged after their second song. That's kinda annoying. We'll see how it works.
Jason Castro, "Forever in Blue Jeans:" OK, I know a lot of you love Jason, and I used to dig him, but how is he still here? Really, he should have been gone a few weeks ago. I'm totally bored by this version of "Blue Jeans." Even the crowd looks bored.
David Cook, "I'm Alive:" David busts out the electric guitar and totally rocks this song (and gave ND goose bumps during rehearsal.) It just looks so easy for David C. to kick ass. Nice work!
Brooke, "I'm a Believer:" She looks like she's a deer caught in headlights and like she's hiding behind her guitar. She's totally uptight and doesn't do the song justice, though I honestly think she could have if she wasn't so damn nervous. The end isn't bad because she's has a bit more fun with it.
David Archuleta, "Sweet Caroline:" Wow is he off in the first few bars. The arrangement is really weird. (But Diamond thinks he's a prodigy?) This feels like an obnoxious karaoke performance. I know y'all love your Archie, but this is not his finest moment. Yes, he can sing, but sometimes, less is more, peeps. The ending was good I'll give him that.
Syesha Mercado, "Hello, Again:" Wow, she looks so pretty, and her singing has improved each week. Now I kinda get why she's still here. Way to go, girl. She really nails this song and puts her own spin on it. That's why ND wanted to hug her.
Paula is extra drunk tonight.... She thinks Jason sang twice and called one of them "empty." That's just so classic on so many levels. Simon said he was really happy they have two songs to sing tonight. Ouch.
Jason, "September Morn": So, apparently he wasn't listening to Simon. It was really "phoned in" and really boring. Boo, Jason. Randy thought it was really just OK, Paula thought he took the same tone with both songs, and Simon said it was forgettable.
David C., "All I Really Need Is You:" I have goose bumps already, and I'm not all ga-ga over David C. like most of you are, but I really like him tonight. Simon can kiss my arse (He was not just above average!). My husband wants him to throw his guitar and rock out. Whoa, there, hubby. I think he's doing fine on his own. Randy said he rocked the house, Paula was "So proud of him and feels like I'm looking at the next American Idol." Simon said the first song was OK and the second was brilliant. Thank you, Simon!
Brooke, "I Am, I Said:" Now this is much more "Brooke," and she really connects to the song, though her vocals aren't top notch tonight. Randy thought she did a nice job on a difficult song, Paula thought she showed her vulnerability and it worked for her and Simon said he really hated the first song, and the second song was the Brooke we know - well done.
David A., "America:" What's up with the hand curved at your side, Archie? You're not Vanna White. This kid will do well tonight because, like Kristy Lee Cook, it's such a patriotic song. No one votes against America! He sings the heck out of the song, and the crowd goes nuts. Randy said he's in the zone, Paula thought it was the perfect song for him to sing because he had some fun and Simon thought it was a very smart song choice and he sang it very well.
Syesha, "Thank the Lord for the Nighttime:" Syesha has a lot of fun with this song, clapping with the back up singers, but her dancing is a little cheesy for me. She does a great job with the song and ends the show on a positive note. Randy thought she finally realizes "who she is," Paula thought her first song was touching, the second song was her theatrical side and Simon said she demonstrated she is a good actress/singer, but that she may be in trouble tonight. I think he should be banned from saying that stuff.
What did you think of the double song, one (well, one and a half) critique format?
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